US Republicans in climbdown on payroll tax deal
House of Representatives Republican Speaker John Boehner has agreed to accept a bipartisan deal to extend a payroll tax cut, in an abrupt U-turn.
He had refused a vote on the bill, which was passed by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate last Saturday.
The tax break is due to expire on 31 December, and would hit the pay slips of some 160 million American workers.
The cut saves about $1,000 (£638) each year for an average US income.
23 Dec 2011
- From the section US & Canada