Deal or No Deal?

Most political analysts on the Hill are predicting that a short-term sequester appears likely. With the “meat ax” about to fall, Congress is still at odds over the budget. Senate Democrats are now pushing a $110B package that would raise new reve-nues and reduce planned defense spending by $27.5B. But House Republicans are flatly refusing to consider any new revenues — setting the stage for a showdown almost certain to drag on past March 1, when sequestration is scheduled to begin taking effect.