Incoming House Speaker John Boehner is standing firm on the question of tax cuts even for the wealthiest Americans.
Asked directly whether he might be open to a deal with President Barack Obama, the Ohio Republican said extending tax cuts for all Americans is the best way to create jobs in the ailing economy.
Obama and congressional Democrats want the tax cuts, which expire at the end of the year if Congress does not act, extended for individuals whom make less than $200,000 a year and couples making less than $250,000. The White House has said Obama would consider extending Bush-era tax cuts even for upper income Americans for a year or two.
The issue is likely to be hashed out during the current Congress' last-minute lame duck session at the end of the year.