House Speaker John Boehner slapped aside President Obama's demand that Congress accept a massive increase in the debt ceiling, possibly as much as $1.25 trillion, without equal amounts of spending cuts.

In a statement issued following the president's White House news conference, the speaker said, "The American people do not support raising the debt ceiling without reducing government spending at the same time."

Boehner, who wants to cut a dollar of spending for every dollar Obama increases the debt ceiling, added that "Without meaningful action, the debt will continue to act as an anchor on our economy, costing American jobs and endangering our children's future."

He is heading to Williamsburg, Va., this week to head up the annual House GOP retreat. Aides said that his goal is to win support from all Republicans for demanding spending cuts. Obama plans to refuse his offer, setting up a better than 50-50 chance the government will shut down sometime next month, according to several House members.

Added Boehner: "The House will do its job and pass responsible legislation that controls spending, meets our nation's obligations and keeps the government running, and we will insist that the Democratic majority in Washington do the same."