House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., described the recent call for spending cuts voiced by Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, as "immature [and] irresponsible" today.

"To toss this into the mix right now -- saying we have to have cuts that exceed even the extent to which we lift the debt ceiling is really immature, irresponsible,"  Pelosi said. "This is not a wholesome debate. It already can be damaging just the fact that it's brought up. I think we should snuff it out, immediately."

Boehner dismissed Pelosi's personal critique. "It's the debt!" he said, telling reporters what he regards as the primary issue. "$1.3 trillion more this year. $16 trillion already."

Boehner added that he wants to negotiate the debt ceiling increase sooner than later, given the impending debates over the Bush tax cuts and sequestration.