Congress in final-stage talks on massive budget, tax bill

AZ Central: WASHINGTON (AP) -- Lawmakers and the White House are rushing to finalize a $1.1 trillion government-wide spending bill and a sprawling tax package touching all sectors of the economy, then head home for the holidays.

Dozens of issues remain unresolved, mainly policy disputes over environmental and other issues that lawmakers of both parties are trying to attach to the must-pass spending legislation. Republicans are seeking to lift the oil export ban and roll back various Obama administration regulations; Democrats are maneuvering to protect President Barack Obama's environmental rules and enact permanent tax credits for wind, solar and other renewable energy.

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