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Tuesday, Dec 25, 2012 4:00 PM UTC

Some urge Boehner: let Dems pass fiscal cliff bill

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Topics: From the Wires,

Some urge Boehner: let Dems pass fiscal cliff billFILE - In this Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, file photo, speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, joined by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., left, speaks to reporters about the fiscal cliff negotiations at the Capitol in Washington. Lawmakers probably could enact a compromise quickly and easily if Republican leaders let Democrats provide most of the votes. By trying to pass his plan with GOP votes alone, Boehner could afford to lose only two dozen of the 241 House Republicans. His private head-count found nearly twice that many defectors, party insiders say, forcing Boehner to give up without seeking a formal vote. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (Credit: AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers say Congress probably could resolve the so-called “fiscal cliff” if Republican leaders let Democrats provide most of the votes.

That would give Democrats a bigger voice in the bargain, of course, something the Republican-led House is loath to allow.

Forty or more staunch conservatives kept Speaker John Boehner from passing a tax bill last week with Republican votes alone.

Now some lawmakers say Boehner should let Democrats provide most of the votes for a compromise that’s more to President Barack Obama’s liking.

That would require Boehner to violate the unofficial “majority of the majority” rule. Recent speakers have followed the rule with few exceptions.

Big tax hikes and government spending cuts go into effect in the new year if Congress doesn’t act by Dec. 31.

More By Charles Babington.

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