美国议员将就财政悬崖问题做最后一刻谈判

U.S. lawmakers reconvene Monday for last-minute talks to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" of sharp tax increases and spending cuts that would take effect January 1.
 
Any agreement would likely first pass through the Senate, which goes into session just before midday, after extensive talks Sunday yielded little progress.
 
Vice President Joe Biden held negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, as Democrats and Republicans tried to resolve their differences over tax rates for the rich and federal spending cuts.
 
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Sunday the divide was "significant," while McConnell said the sticking point appeared to be "a willingness, an interest or courage" among lawmakers to arrive at an agreement.
 
If the Democrat-controlled Senate votes for a compromise deal, the Republican-led House would have to approve the measure.  The president could then sign it late Monday, avoiding having automatic tax increases on nearly all Americans kick in Tuesday.