In this July 24, 2012, photo, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, talks to reporters following a closed-door political strategy session at the Capitol in Washington. The Senate is bracing for a tax-cut showdown that is all about Democrats and Republicans showing voters their differences over taxing the well-off while accusing each other of threatening to shove the government over a fiscal cliff. Senators planned to vote Wednesday, July 25 on a $250 billion Democratic bill that would extend expiring tax cuts next year for all but the highest earners. Republicans were forcing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to corral 60 votes for the proposal, which he does not have. Boehner was ready to push legislation through his chamber next week that closely mirrors the Senate GOP measure. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)