John Boehner, Speaker of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, has edged closer to the U.S. President’s demand to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans.JOSHUA ROBERTS/Reuters
U.S. President Barack Obama and John Boehner, the top Republican in Washington, met at the White House on Monday to try to reach a budget deal that would head off steep tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the economy into recession next year.
The 45-minute meeting is a further sign that talks to avert the "fiscal cliff" could be yielding progress after weeks of stalemate.
Mr. Boehner, the Speaker of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, has edged closer to Mr. Obama's demand to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans. But the two sides have yet to make headway on entitlements, like the Medicare health insurance program for seniors.
Mr. Boehner has agreed to a tax increase for those earning more than $1-million (U.S.) annually, while Mr. Obama wants that threshold set at $250,000. His offer knocks down a key Republican roadblock, and the question now boils down to what Mr. Obama will offer in return.
The two sides face a deadline of Dec. 31, when $600-billion in across-the-board spending cuts and tax hikes are due to kick in.
Even if the two men agree to a deal this week, they may not have enough time to get it passed before the New Year. In that case, they might agree to extend the deadline by a few weeks.
Republicans understand that the clock is ticking and they are confident that Mr. Boehner will get a deal they can support in the coming days, a senior House Republican aide said.
Mr. Boehner "won't sign off on a deal that doesn't have enough votes to get through," the aide said.
Investors have been cheered by signs of progress. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index was up 0.87 per cent at midday.