If lawmakers in Washington don't agree on a deal soon, Americans could soon feel a 2 percent tax hike come the first of the year

It's been said Congress is "kicking the can" in the debate over the payroll tax. But where exactly did that phrase come from and why has it become a metaphor for political dysfunction?

Debate over whether payroll tax cuts are good for the economy, both in the short and long-term, continues to cause friction in Washington as a deadline fast approaches

Last week, the Senate agreed on a two month temporary extension of the payroll tax cuts, but the House of Representatives is yet to get on board. We speak to Congressman John Carter of Texas as to whether it will happen.

News that the government won't shutdown this weekend over payroll tax cut seems a bit like someone promising not to poke you in the eye after all.

Long-term budget issues in Washington are yet to be resolved, but it is likely that leaders will settle on a temporary two month extension of the payroll tax cuts.

A deal to avoid government shutdown was reached in Washington yesterday, but one of the provisions of the deal means that new laws surrounding light bulbs won't be enforced for the time being.

David Mark, senior editor at Politico, explains why he thinks lawmakers will hammer out a deal on payroll tax cuts and the budget soon.

The payroll tax cuts expire at the end of the year, and the clock is ticking to make a decision to renew them or not. Why can they help or hurt the economy?