Legislators discuss package of $60 bln to $100 bln in deficit reductions to avert larger cuts and tax increases.

Group of lawmakers works to avoid year-end fiscal cliff.

Group of lawmakers works to avoid year-end fiscal cliff.

Only a week before deadline, GOP, Democratic legislators are far from a deal.

Only a week before deadline, GOP, Democratic legislators are far from a deal.

President resists GOP efforts to focus on scaled-down deal.

President resists GOP efforts to focus on scaled-down deal.

President argues for long-term solution for government’s finances.