“The House will pass a bill this week to keep the government open through the end of the fiscal year."

That's the prediction Tuesday from House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio at a news conference. The House plans a vote Thursday.

The Republican-written bill would keep the automatic spending cuts that went into effect Friday, but give the military more flexibility to move funds around.

Democrats are not enthusiastic, and plan to offer an alternative.

At the news conference, Boehner offered more thoughts:

"Spending is the problem here in Washington, and our goal is to cut spending – not to shut the government down. 

“The president agreed last week that that should be our goal and I’m hopeful that this continuing resolution will find easy passage both in the House and the Senate. 

“Lastly, a report on Friday once again makes clear that there is no reason for the Keystone pipeline to be blocked for another day. 

“The president, and the president alone, stands between these tens of thousands of American jobs and more North American oil for our refineries - and it’s time for him to say yes. 

“You know, after four years of needless delays, it’s time for the president to stand up for middle-class jobs, and we’ll get that by getting the Keystone pipeline under construction.”