Lawmakers Confident They Can Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff'

By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Leading U.S. lawmakers expressed confidence on Sunday that they could reach a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff" even as they laid down markers on taxes and spending that may make any agreement more difficult. Republicans and Democratic leaders have agreed on a framework to reform the tax code and government benefit programs next year, but first need to prevent across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts due to begin in January that could push t...