Fiscal Cliff UPDATE

Officials: Obama, Boehner exchange proposals

   WASHINGTON (AP) -- At least publicly, there's no hint of progress in efforts
to avoid the "fiscal cliff" -- with Republicans demanding that the White House
outline specific spending cuts, and the White House saying it's already done so.
   But the rhetoric from the two sides has been relatively restrained, as if to
avoid jeopardizing any negotiations that might be taking place.
   And in fact, officials have disclosed that President Barack Obama and House
Speaker John Boehnerhave exchanged at least partial proposals in
the past two days, although details are scarce.
   Boehner said publicly today that the White House was slow-walking the
negotiations, bringing the economy closer to feeling the impact of the automatic
spending cuts and tax increases that would kick in next month.
   Meanwhile, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi challenged Boehner to allow
a vote on Obama's proposal to extend most expiring tax cuts while letting those
cuts expire at higher income levels.
   AP-WF-12-11-12 2146GMT