Congressional leaders say they Could Strike A Deal By Christmas To Avoid Sequestration

Details are emerging from that meeting Republican and Democratic leaders had Friday with President Barack Obama at the White House. Democratic staff describe a short-term fix to the National Journal. GovExec reported they said they're banking on a bill that has already passed the Senate. It holds tax rates steady for families with less than $250,000, but the wealthy would have to pay more. They said they would work toward entitlement reform next year. Republicans have not ruled this idea out, but they said silence doesn't mean they support it. Leaders may meet again as early as Friday.