Golf clap.

(Politico) — Speaker John Boehner told a closed House Republican meeting Friday morning that the chamber needs to pass legislation to lift the nation’s debt ceiling by Wednesday, although he warned that no agreement has been reached with the White House yet.

A day after breathless news reports that a deal was imminent, the Ohio Republican jokingly told his conference that he had reached a sweeping agreement with President Barack Obama to slash trillions of dollars in government spending.

Boehner insisted to his GOP colleagues Friday morning that discretionary spending totals for the government get locked into place — Republicans want them capped — so Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) can work to fund the government for fiscal 2012, which begins Oct. 1.

But just two days after the House passed the sweeping “Cut, Cap and Balance” deficit plan, Boehner seems to be lowering expectations. Boehner said that if they took “a big step in the right direction,” they’ll still be “here in 2013” a sign that Republicans are confident they’ll keep the House in next year’s elections.

Taxes, of course, remain a sticking point, and many rank and file Republicans are nervous about the prospects of any new tax revenues being part of a deal. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), in the Friday meeting asked Boehner if new tax revenue is off the table.

Boehner said “it depends how you look at it,” adding tax reform is crucial.

GOP freshmen aren’t bolting from the leadership team. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) urged Boehner “appeal to [Obama’s] ego because its “bigger than the deficit.” Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.) told Boehner to “maintain course” because “we’re behind you.”

HT: Lorie