No debt deal yet, says White House
THE WHITE House last night vehemently denied that President Barack Obama had come to a deficit reduction agreement with Republicans that did not include tax hikes.
“Anyone reporting a $3 trillion (£1.8 trillion) deal without [higher tax] revenues is incorrect,” White House spin doctor Dan Pfeiffer said.
The White House had earlier refuted reports that President Obama was close to sealing a deal with Republican House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner.
Some Democrat Senators are becoming increasingly tetchy about the President’s behind-closed-doors talks with senior Republicans.
The ruling party is holding out for higher taxes to fund entitlement programmes such as Medicare.