Lawmakers Consider Options For Payroll Tax Cut

Officials say Democratic lawmakers are considering whether to jettison their demand for a surtax on millionaires as a way of covering the cost of a Social Security payroll tax cut extension.

These officials stress that no decisions have been made. If party leaders go ahead, it would mark a concession to Republicans in the year-end standoff over the tax cut extension that President Barack Obama requested and leaders in both parties say they want.

The officials declined to be identified by name because they were discussing legislative strategy.

The disclosure came as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other leading Democrats went to the White House to meet with Obama.

The subject of the meeting was not announced.