John Boehner Says Democrats Need to Propose Spending Cuts

After meeting with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, House Speaker John Boehner says Democrats still haven't recommended cuts to government benefit programs as part of a deal to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff.

Boehner told reporters the meeting was frank and direct, but gave no indication of any progress toward averting the blend of tax increases and spending cuts due to hit at the turn of the year.

The Ohio Republican noted that the GOP has agreed to higher revenues as part of any deal, but only if accompanied by serious spending cuts.

Democrats have said they are open to savings from Medicare and Medicaid, but so far have given no indication of what changes they will accept.

Geithner also was meeting with other congressional leaders in both houses.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)