The US Senate will skip its planned recess for the week of July 4 to focus on cutting
the deficit.The decision follows a scolding by President Barack Obama, who urged
lawmakers to reach a deal on raising the government's 14.3 trillion dollar debt ceiling
by the start of August to avoid a default. Democrats want to include tax increases
or eliminate tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, while Republicans are widely
opposed to tax increases and want to cut government spending. Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid said lawmakers must find solutions to America's problems. Harry Reid
also said lawmakers must forgo their scheduled breaks until an agreement is reached.
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