Congress apears headed to compromise on taxes, benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) - A critical compromise to head off a year-end tax increase for millions of Americans took shape fitfully Thursday in private talks between the White House and congressional Republicans punctuated by outbursts of partisanship.

An extension of unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed appeared likely to become part of any deal.

Additionally, Democrats sought to expand the package with a tax break providing as much as $400 for individual working people and $800 for couples - even if they pay nothing to the IRS.