Obama, family may visit Williamsburg this weekend

If the federal budget stalemate doesn't get in the way, President Barack Obama is planning to visit Colonial Williamsburg this weekend with the first lady, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha.

The White House said in a statement Thursday that it is a "long-planned family trip."

"The president's priority is working with members of Congress from both parties to avoid a government shutdown," the statement said. The family's plans will change if an agreement is not reached.

Obama is negotiating with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to pass a budget bill in time to avoid a shutdown at midnight Friday.

Jim Bradley, communications manager for Colonial Williamsburg, said he had not received any information about a presidential visit and referred information requests to the White House.

James Perry, public affairs officer for nearby Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield - collectively called the Colonial National Historical Park - also said officials had not received any information about a possible visit by the Obamas.

But if the government shuts down on Friday night, Perry said, no one will be visiting.

Should Congress not reach a spending deal, the National Park Service office told park managers, they are not to open on Saturday and must remain closed until funding is set.