Sen. Chuck Grassley faced criticism after turning down President Obama's initial offer to meet with him. | AP Photo Grassley scheduling Obama meeting over SCOTUS nominee

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is finally working to schedule a meeting next week with President Barack Obama regarding the Supreme Court vacancy, a White House official said on Wednesday evening.

Top Judiciary Democrat Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) as well as as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid have also been extended invitations. While Grassley may end up talking with the president, there was no indication he planned to change his mind and hold a hearing on any future nominee.


"As we have done in the past, the President has invited the leaders of the Senate and the chair and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee to consult with him in the Oval Office about filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court. We are continuing to work to schedule this meeting, which we now expect will take place next week," the administration official said.

The communication between the White House and the Iowa Republican follows a day of Democratic criticism of Grassley for turning down a meeting with the president. Reid lambasted Grassley as an inept chairman, though Grassley told Iowa reporters he cared little about Reid's criticisms.

"Senator Grassley's office and the President's office are working on a time that is mutually beneficial, likely early next week" said Grassley spokeswoman Beth Levine. "Contrary to other reports, Senator Grassley has been in contact with the President previously and just last night spoke with the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and the White House Counsel about the Supreme Court vacancy and a meeting."

McConnell is also trying to set up a meeting with Obama, according to spokesman Don Stewart.

"We are working with the White House to schedule a time for a meeting. The leader welcomes the opportunity to reiterate to the president directly that the American people will be heard on this matter, and the nomination will be determined by whoever wins the presidency in the fall," Stewart said.

The meetings with Republicans seem pro forma and unlikely to be productive — McConnell won't take any action on a nominee and Grassley says he won't hold a nomination hearing.