House Republicans offered a counter-proposal Monday in the heated battle to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff," though President Barack Obama's administration quickly rebuffed the plan for not demanding more from the nation's wealthiest taxpayers.

POL-Coburn-Fiscal-Cliff

If President Barack Obama steps away from the Republican deficit-reduction proposal advanced Monday by House Speaker John Boehner, "we will go over the 'fiscal cliff,'" predicted Sen. Tom Coburn.

POL-Fiscal-Cliff-Proposal-Reaction

Don't expect negotiations for a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff" to heat up this week. Senior administration officials said the offer House Speaker John Boehner submitted to the White House on Monday wasn't serious enough to merit a counter-proposal from the administration. So the president's team plans to wait for the GOP to come around on the idea of raising tax rates or let the nation go over the fiscal cliff.

POL-Fast-and-Furious-Resignation

A ranking Justice Department official named by Republicans in their probes into the botched gunrunning scheme "Fast and Furious" will resign on Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder announced in a statement late Monday.

US Clinton Tribute 2016 Buzz

Despite her repeated statements that she will leave public service once her successor is in place, buzz about a possible second run for the presidency by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in full force following the showing of a tribute video of her career.

POL-Debbie-Wasserman-Schultz

Two senior Democratic Party officials tell CNN that President Barack Obama will ask Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida to stay on for a second term as chair of the Democratic National Committee.

POL-Poll-New-York

A little more than a month after Superstorm Sandy wrought major destruction in the Empire State, New York voters are giving high marks to some of their elected leaders for the way they handled the storm's aftermath.

POL-Democratic-Governors

The nation's Democratic governors gather in Los Angeles Monday, as the Democratic Governors Association kicks off two days of annual meetings.

POL-Watts-RNC-Reaction

The prospect of former congressman J.C. Watts leading the Republican National Committee was met with chuckles by members of the organization Monday, who said that current chairman Reince Priebus is all-but-guaranteed to be re-elected to his post next month.

POL-Poll-Honesty-Congress

While Members of Congress have a slightly higher honesty rating than last year, the lawmakers are still considered the least trusted professionals by the American public, barely edging out car salespeople for the lowest spot, according to a new Gallup survey released Monday.

POL-Missouri-Rep-Retiring

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri will leave Congress in February, the Republican congresswoman announced Monday.

FEATURES AND COMMENTARY

TECH-SMS-Text-Message-20

It's been hailed for its succinctness and blamed for everything from sore thumbs to the decline of conversation. Love it or hate it, the text message is 20 years old.

Sport-Jose-Mourinho

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has rejected reports that he is planning to quit the Spanish champions at the end of this season.

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No, some guy named Daniels on Facebook didn't win the Powerball lottery. And, no, he's not really giving anyone $1 million of his winnings. But that didn't stop a doctored photo claiming just that from becoming possibly the most-shared image in the site's history.

TRAVEL-5-Real-Life-Wonderlands

With presents to buy and families to visit, the holiday season can become an endless to-do list. But take some of that vacation time to explore the holiday spirit in action. At these five wonderlands around the country and the world, you'll find the wonder of winter, the wonder of shopping and the wonder of Santa Claus up close.