WASHINGTON – As leaders on Capitol Hill negotiate the budget, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s absence from the conversation and his failure to lead:

“Republicans have been busy working on a plan to get our budget under control and keep the government running. Between his meeting with the Jonas brothers and his posh Miami fundraiser this week, President Obama is busy too. President Obama said he wants to have an adult conversation but he hasn’t made any time to actually have it. This country is ready for economic reform and it’s time for President Obama to step up to the plate instead of just talking about it. Americans are tightening their belts and cutting back on spending – now it’s time for Washington to do the same with their tax dollars.”

President Obama Called For An Adult Conversation. ”My hope is that what’s different this time is, is we have an adult conversation where everybody says here’s what’s important and here’s how we’re going to pay for it.” (The White House, “Press Conference by the President” Press Conference, 2/15/11)

President Obama Flies Down For A Fundraising Party In Miami On March 4^th, The Same Day He Needs To Sign A Continuing Resolution. “President Barack Obama will travel to Florida next month to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Bill Nelson, who could face a rough road to re-election next year. The president will attend the March 4 event along with Nelson and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to a source with knowledge of the event. The dinner and reception is being held at the Miami Beach, Florida home of Judith and Michael Adler, large contributors to Democratic candidates and causes. The source tells CNN that the money raised at the event will be split between Sen. Nelson’s re-election bid and the DSCC.” (Paul Steinhauser, “Obama to Florida for Nelson fundraiser,” CNN’s Political Ticker Blog, 2/18/11)