sounded off about the deficit. and there was a frantic debate late today about what this bill would do to the deficit? >> reporter: big debate on that. the last-minute haggling is intense. changes are being negotiated right now, david, on the senate floor, even as they are hoping for a vote tonight. and while the momentum is there to pass this, it is not a done deal. >> jon karl watching this into the night. jon, thank you. meantime, optimism about the tax bill pushing the stock market across a new line tonight. the dow closing above 24,000 for the first time at 24,272. that's up more than 300 points. it broke the 23,000 mark just 45 days ago. next tonight, back here at home and to the suspected serial killer in florida, appearing before a judge for the first time. families of the victims forced to see him through closed circuit tv. and tonight, why authorities here in new york city are now looking to see if he's connected to any unsolved crimes here. here's abc's victor oquendo. >> reporter: the suspected tampa serial killer, making his first court appearance via video conference, shackled by the wrists and ankles, wearing an