BREAKING NEWS

US Democrats attempt longshot to force 'fiscal cliff' vote

WASHINGTON - Democrats in the US House of Representatives on Friday announced a longshot bid to force an early vote on tax hikes to break the stalemate in negotiations over the year-end "fiscal cliff."
The Democratic plan, which Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said could begin on Tuesday, involves getting a majority of the Republican-controlled House to sign a petition scheduling a vote over the objection of the Republican leadership.
Such a procedure, called a "discharge petition," might generate considerable publicity, fire up Democrats and anger Republicans.