Senate GOP threatens to block legislation

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans said Wednesday they will block action on any issue until tax and funding issues are resolved.

All 42 members of the caucus signed a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., vowing to prevent a vote on "any legislative item until the Senate has acted to fund the government and we have prevented the tax increase that is currently awaiting all American taxpayers," CNN reported.

Reid denounced the letter on the Senate floor Wednesday morning as part of a "cynical" and "transparent" strategy to "obstruct" and "delay" legislation while blaming the Democrats for failing to govern effectively.

"Last month, the American people issued their verdict on the Democrat's priorities," replied Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The tax cuts enacted by former President George W. Bush will expire Jan. 1 if Congress fails to extend them.

White House and congressional tax negotiators plan to begin talks Wednesday.

On the spending side, the continuing resolution that funds the government will expire Friday.

Democrats are trying to pass several bills in the lame-duck session, including the nuclear arms treaty with Russia, a repeal of the military ban on gays and a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants.