Obama Returns to Washington as Fiscal Cliff Looms
Red lights illuminate Pennsylvania Avenue as the U.S. Capitol glows in the twilight, in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, as talks continue on the looming fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Associated Press Release
By MATTHEW DALY
HONOLULU (AP) -- President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii, planning to leave for Washington on Wednesday evening as lawmakers consider how to prevent the economy from going over the so-called fiscal cliff.
The White House said Tuesday that first lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters will remain in Hawaii. Obama is expected to arrive in Washington early Thursday.
The first family left Washington last Friday night. In the past, the president's end-of-the-year holiday in his native state has stretched into the new year.
Congress is expected to return to Washington on Thursday.
Automatic budget cuts and tax increases are set to begin in January. So far, the president and congressional Republicans have been unable to reach agreement on any alternatives.
AP-WF-12-26-12 0338GMT
Helpful Links
Learn more about the United States Congress at
www.house.gov and www.senate.gov
Not sure which precinct to vote at?
Visit the Georgia Precinct Locator
Want to know what you need to do to register to vote in Georgia? Visit www.sos.state.ga.us/elections
Also visit the State of Georgia website
Find out more about elections in Georgia at the
Georgia Elections website
Know when to head to the Georgia polls by browsing
Georgia Voter Information
Know when to head to the Florida polls by visiting the
Florida Voter Information Page
Find out more about Florida Voting Systems
Want to talk to your elected officials? Visit Florida’s Contact Your Elected Officials Page
Get your Florida voter registration application at
election.dos.state.fl.us
Learn more about how Florida does elections at the Florida Division of Elections Web Site
Visit the State of Florida Web Site
CBS Political Headlines
-
Could the GOP pull an upset in Mass. senate race?
Three and half years ago, Republicans won a Senate special election in the heavily-Democratic Bay State; could it happen again? -
Weiner kicks off his campaign - and his apology tour
The disgraced former congressman makes first campaign stop in NYC mayor's race; N.Y. Gov. Cuomo expresses his displeasure -
Video: Boehner: "House will work its will on immigration"
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, assures his chamber "won't be stampeded" by the White House and Senate and will "work its will" on immigration legislation - but "don't ask me how," he added. -
Video: Pelosi on IRS targeting: "Why is this a politicized issue?"
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., asked reporters why it has become "politicized" that the IRS singled out conservative groups for excessive scrutiny, pointing out that Steven Miller, former acting director of the agency, was appointed by George W. Bush. But, she added, "we're all concerned," and said she wished Lois Lerner had not pled the fifth because "the American people deserve answers." -
Lawmakers push to punish sexual offenders in the military
After report detailing rampant sexual assault in the military, lawmakers push tough new reforms -
Boehner calls out Obama administration's "arrogance of power"
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, is demanding answers about the IRS targeting scandal, AP wiretap -
Obama prom pictures surface
Decked out in a white sport coat and a Hawaiian lei, "Barry Obama" celebrates 1979 prom with three friends -
Video: IRS top official: "I have not" done something wrong
Lois Lerner, head of the tax-exempt organizations division of the IRS, drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers after she invoked her Fifth Amendment right in a House hearing -- after she briefly testified on her own behalf. Norah O'Donnell reports.
