Monday, December 3 2012 6:14 PM EST2012-12-03 23:14:16 GMT
House Republicans negotiating with President Barack Obama on avoiding the so-called fiscal cliff are proposing to increase the eligibility age for Medicare and to lower cost-of-living hikes in Social Security benefits.
House Republicans negotiating with President Barack Obama on avoiding the so-called fiscal cliff are proposing to increase the eligibility age for Medicare and to lower cost-of-living hikes in Social Security benefits.
WASHINGTON -
A couple of days after a closed-door meeting between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, both sides remained close-lipped early Tuesday.
The calendar indicates lawmakers have just under three weeks to reach a deal to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," but a closer look at the process reveals a much tighter deadline.
Because of the legislative logistics involved in crafting and passing a bill, the White House and Republicans basically have just this week to get things going. And that adds a layer of extra tension to closed-door negotiations.
The president and house speaker basically need to strike a deal by Wednesday or Thursday of this week, then factor in a couple days to write the legislation and more time for the Congressional Budget Office to tally the deficit reductions.
Because of the spending and tax language, the bill must first begin in the House of Representatives. Those factors alone take the process into next week at best.
Then, the Senate would need to pass the bill, where Republicans oppose tax increases.
And if Democrats get the tax increases, they would likely have to agree to spending cuts, another possible setback.
If the Senate changes the House bill, a conference committee is necessary, adding even more time.
Still, during a campaign-style event Monday, Obama sounded optimistic.
"So, Congress can do that right now. Everybody says they agree with it. Let's get it done," Obama said.
Further complicating matters are the questions of what to do with extending long-term unemployment aid and how to avoid the automatic spending cuts as well as other expiring tax breaks including the payroll tax holiday.
Then, there's the House rule on posting a bill for three days before a vote, Fox's Craig Boswell reports.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT
It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
