Mr Obama said Senate leaders were working to craft a bill that could win approval in both chambers² of Congress.

 

But if a compromise was not reached, the president said he would ask for a quick vote on preventing tax rises.

 

Congress has only four days to reach an agreement before across-the-board tax rises and spending cuts take effect.

 

Analysts³ say sliding over the so-called "cliff" could tip the US into recession and set back the global economic recovery.

 

If Senate majority leader Harry⁴ Reid and minority leader Mitch McConnell do not work out a deal, Mr Obama is seeking a vote to prevent tax rises on incomes up to $250,000 and ensure unemployment insurance is continued.

 

He described that as the "bare minimum" Congress should get done before 1 January.

 

"The hour for immediate⁵ action is here, it is now," Mr Obama said. 

 

 

Earlier on Friday, Mr Obama met Mr Reid, Mr McConnell, House Speaker John Boehner and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi at the White House for just over an hour.

 

Mr McConnell and Mr Reid said they were entering talks shortly after the meeting, and gave relatively⁶ upbeat（乐观的） assessments⁷ on their task.

 

Mr McConnell said he was "hopeful and optimistic" that he could present a comprise to his caucus⁸（核心会议） by Sunday, just over 24 hours before the deadline.

 

His Democratic counterpart said he would "do everything I can" to make the deal happened.

 

But Mr Reid cautioned that "whatever we come up with is going to be imperfect".

 

The renewed effort towards a Senate deal that could pass both chambers comes after much of the focus in negotiations⁹ rested on House Speaker John Boehner.

 

An alternative plan proposed by Mr Boehner - which would have seen taxes rise only on those earning over $1m - failed in the House of Representatives late last week.

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