By Douglas Holtz-Eakin
The young drop coverage to avoid higher premiums
Congressional leaders emerged from a meeting with President Obama Friday expressing optimism about a new "framework" for an agreement that would stave off the looming "fiscal cliff" of steeper tax hikes and spending cuts for the federal government by the end of the year.
President Obama told an Hispanic audience Wednesday night he will do "everything in my power" to enact the Dream Act, which would prevent the deportation of illegal immigrants studying at American colleges or having served in the military.
She also said she was more focused in the meeting on sending the public a "message of confidence" so that consumers and financial markets will be calmed, knowing that an agreement is in the works.
"We should have a goal in terms of how much deficit reduction, we should have a deadline before Christmas, we should share some milestones of success so that confidence can build as we reach our solution," she said.
