House May Block Food Safety Bill Over Senate Error  —  A food safety bill that has burned up precious days of the Senate's lame-duck session appears headed back to the chamber because Democrats violated a constitutional provision requiring that tax provisions originate in the House.

Fiscal Commission Final Report  —  Get your fresh catfood!  —  FDL has obtained a copy of the Catfood Commission final report in advance of its official 9:30 release.  —  It can be downloaded here: PDF  —  Their reigning spirit of self-importance comes through on the very first page: “The Moment of Truth.”

ALL 42 SENATE REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCE HOSTAGE PLAN.... The AP had an item late last night, noting that Senate Republicans were circulating a letter, “quietly collecting signatures” on a plan to “block action on virtually all Democratic-backed legislation unrelated to tax cuts and government spending.”

DADT No More?  Republicans Threaten To Block All Dem Initiatives  —  Just hours after Democrats and Republicans agreed to bargain on tax cuts, and fewer hours still after Defense Secretary Robert Gates implored Congress to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell this year, word leaked that Republicans …

In Tax Cuts, the Options Run Short  —  Democrats have left themselves in a tough spot on the Bush tax cuts.  After delaying the issue until after the election and then being trounced in that election, they find themselves with little leverage.  —  If they cannot come up with a plan …

Commission's final deficit report preserves controversial spending cuts; panel to vote Friday on whether to endorse plan  —  The leaders of President Obama's fiscal commission released a final report Wednesday that is full of political dynamite, including sharp cuts in military spending …

Senate GOP letter calls for blocking most bills  —  WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans intend to block action on virtually all Democratic-backed legislation unrelated to tax cuts and government spending in the current postelection session of Congress, officials said Tuesday …