Today's Times
- Congressional Republicans on Monday made a counteroffer to President Obama's deficit reduction proposal with a plan that is far heavier on spending cuts but embraces $800 billion in new taxes, Jonathan Weisman reports.
- Democrats and Republicans are stuck on the size and makeup of the first down payment in the deficit reduction plan, Jonathan Weisman reports. The installment would replace the automatic spending cuts and tax increases that make up the “fiscal cliff,†while signaling Washington's seriousness about getting its fiscal house in order.
 Happenings in Washington
- President Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will meet wi th governors in the White House to discuss the deficit. Later, the two will have lunch in the private dining room before meeting with Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in the Oval Office.
- The lighting ceremony for the Capitol Christmas tree will begin at 5 p.m.
