Congress’ top Republicans condemn President Obama’s deficit-reduction stance

House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Republican Party’s top two congressional leaders, have condemned President Obama’s deficit-reduction package just hours before they are scheduled to return to the negotiating table.

“Where’s the president’s plan? When’s he going to lay his cards on the table?” Boehner asked Tuesday. “This debt limit increase is his problem. I think it’s time for him to lead by putting his plan on the table, something that the Congress can pass.”

McConnell heightened the rhetoric surrounding debt-reduction talks during a Senate floor speech, claiming “a real solution is unattainable” as long as Obama is in the White House.

“In my view the president has presented us with three choices: smoke and mirrors, tax hikes, or default,” he said. “Republicans choose none of the above. I had hoped to do good, but I refuse to do harm.”

While McConnell blasted Obama’s insistence on including tax increases in negotiations for spending cuts, several major business trade groups signed a letter urging political leaders to act in the best interest of the American people by reaching a viable solution prior to the August 2 deadline.

Obama is expected to present his counter-argument during an interview with CBS News’ Scott Pelley, which will be broadcast Tuesday night. Democratic and Republican leaders are scheduled to continue ongoing talks at 3:45 p.m.