Captioning sponsored by cbs this is the cbs evening news. Good evening. Jim axelrod is off tonight. Im rebecca jarvis. With just two days left, Senate Leaders are still struggling to put together a last minute bp deal ahead of mondays midnight deadline for the fiscal cliff. Failure could kick the country back into a recession. Wyatt andrews is on capitol hill. Reporter today the halls of the senate were almost empty, as proposals got traded in private and over the phone. Senate minority leader much mcconnell tried to sound upbeat. Going to get a deal today sir . Hope. So. Reporter House Speaker boehner came to the capitol but left without comment. Issue number one in the talks is amending the bush era tax cuts, which if unchanged will expire and raise taxes on all americans. Starting tuesday, the average tax hike will be three to 5 per person. Lets keep taxes exactly where they are on the first 250,000 of everybodys income. Reporter the president campaigned to increase taxes only on families making more than 250,000 per year. Almost two weeks ago, the president offered a compromise to raise taxes only on income above 400,000, hoping that might win republican support. I have gone at least halfway. Reporter the senate is also negotiating an extension of Unemployment Benefits for some 2 million jobless americans, without a deal those checks will stop next week for this mother of five who has been searching for work since february. If congress does not extend the Unemployment Benefits, then i would be without a home and i really dont know what else we would do. Reporter the deal under discussion in the senate right now doesnt even include the biggest part of the fiscal cliff, that 1. 2 trillion dollars in mandatory budget cuts, spending cuts that are also due to kick in this tuesday. The thinking up here goes like this, lets handle the tax cuts now, and readvise the spending cuts later. Thank you. In addition to the 500 billion in automatic tax hikes, as you just heard from wyatt, the fiscal cliff also includes 1. 2 trillion in mandatory spending cuts. Congressional democrats and republicans agreed to these drastic cuts last year, to force both parties to the table on deficit reduction. If they can agree by monday at midnight, the following cut take effects. Over the next nine years, the u. S. Defense budget would be reduced by 455 billion. Domestic programs would be slashed by 464 billion. 1,000 Government Programs face potential cuts, including three that directly impact air travel. John bentley has the story. Reporter long waits at Airport Security are nothing new. But if the u. S. Government goes over the fiscal cliff, they could get even longer. According to one congressional analysis, the Transportation Security Administration would lose more than 640 million in funding, roughly 7 of out budget. T. S. A. With would also lose over 7,000 security officers. Safety would not be compromised. The passenger misery would increase. It could be a severe impact on the traveling public. Instead of maybe one hour, you may be there two or three hours before. Reporter long lines would be the least of the problems. Under the mandatory cuts of the fiscal cliff, the federal Aviation Administration would lose 800 million, and more than 2,000 air Traffic Controllers. Fewer controllers mean fewer planes moving passengers and cargo. Warns the air Traffic Controllers association. Fbs pocketbook and livelihood is tied to the Aviation System, so the impact of the Aviation System not being able to provide the service that they do today would be devastating. Reporter if washington cant reach a compromise, the economic recovery could stall. If we cannot figure this out, theyre putting a bunch of huge and ugly potholes on a road that was supposedly going to get us to economic recovery. Reporter in fact, air Traffic Controllers warn that more than 100 small airports could lose their control towers. Jobs and revenue that may never come back. John bentley, cbs news, new york. Winter storms are spreading across the country, a massive storm that created havoc east of the mississippi is now headed to new england. That storm left a trail of Power Outages in the southeast after dumping some 15 inches of snow. In california, heavy snows continue to pile up. But inside the storm clouds there is a silver lining, as carter evans reports. Reporter snow fell again today in californias mountains. The latest in a string of storms that could have a major effect on the states drought. If this trend top storys well be looking at excess water, rather than a water shortage. Reporter this San Francisco meteorologist says the mounting snow pack, already 146 higher than normal, means the states reservoirs will be in good supply. Almost like putting water in a bank and then saving it for summertime where we get virtually no rainfalls. My gut feeling is this will be a good year for us. Reporter hes a water manager in southern california, where part of l. A. s water supply is already 90 full. Weve got water lapping over the road right now. Even in a bad year, what do you see . You just say dry dirt when the water level goes down. Reporter the difference between wet and dry years can be dramatic, and until recently long range forecasts suggested the storms would miss california again this winter, extending the states drought. Frankly we did not see this coming. The predictionsing initially were for dryer than normal conditions. The exact opposite has happened so far. Reporter with weather being temperamental, california needs to collect all the water it k. The more you can keep the reservoirs up, the better off you are because you dont know what will happen next year. Reporter for now the snow keeps coming, in california they are taking advantage in every way possible. Indias government is appealing for calm tonight as the public demand justice for a woman who has died after a brutal gang rape and beating. As Elizabeth Palmer reports, the attack has drawn an outpouring of emotion. Reporter thousands of indians paid tribute to the 23yearold physiotherapy student who still hasnt been identified. She died of massive injuries after allegedly being gang raped by six men who picked her up in a bus they were driving. Underlying the candle light and prayers here, though, there is profound outrage. It erupted last week in protests not only against the bus rates, but against the way female victims of Sexual Assault are often ignored by the community and by the police. On wednesday, a teenager in northern india committed suicide after police pushed her not to press charges against two men alleged to have gang raped her in november. Politicians caught off guard by the public fury are now promising action. As a woman and mother, i understand how you feel. I appeal to you to remain calm and help strengthen our collective resolve to fight the menace of violence against women. Reporter theres widespread public pressure to scale up that fight. All eyes are now on the official investigation into the bus attack, and the Indian Government clearly feeling the heat has announced that all six alleged rapists would be tried for murder. Elizabeth palmer, cbs news, london. Now to syrias civil war. Today rebels fighting Government Forces attacked airports in the Northern City of alep po. For the first time syrias National Airlines canceled a flight there. In egypt, president morsy made his strongest statement to date in support of the rebels. Stating that the assad regime has no place in syrias future. And in moscow, u. N. Envoy bramimi warn of total chaos in the mideast if peace cant be negotiated. But russias foreign minister said his government still backs the regime. A russian passenger jet crashed today while landing, it happened at moscows airport. The plane split off slid off the runway, broke apart and caught fire. Four crew members were killed. The plane had been flying without passengers. Still ahead, a life lesson for one boy is now helping thousands of san diegos homeless. First, she served in iraq, now shes trying to win her battle with depression. And nine weeks after superstorm sandy, people are still suffering. When the cbs evening news continues. Happy holidays from kabul, afghanistan, im p. F. C. Jones from charleston, south carolina, happy new year to my family and friend back home, tops my wife and daughter in germany. I miss you, love you and will see you soon. It comes we understand. Milies fa, at usaa, we know military life is different. Weve been there. Thats why every bit of Financial Advice we offer is geared specifically to current and former military members and their families. [ laughs ] dad dad [ applause ] [ male announcer ] life brings obstacles. Usaa brings advice. Call or visit us online. Were ready to help. But with advair, im breathing better. So now i can be in the scene. Advair is clinically proven to help significantly improve lung function. Unlike most copd medications, advair contains both an antiinflammatory and a longacting bronchodilator working together to help improve your lung function all day. Advair wont replace fastacting inhalers for sudden symptoms and should not be used more than twice a day. People with copd taking advair may have a higher chance of pneumonia. Advair may increase your risk of osteoporosis and some eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high Blood Pressure before taking advair. 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The Senate Passed 60. 4 billion in aid yesterday, but the house has yet to act. Nine weeks after sandy hit, the need for help is immense. This is my house, this was my dream, you know, this was the american dream. Reporter when hurricanes or floods threaten pedros house in the past, somehow it always survived. But as sandy belted sta ten island two months ago, correa knew right away this storm was different. I looked out the window and seen my car, it was moving. I said wow the win must be really ripping, and i looked closer and it was floating. Reporter he had already vaked his wife and two children. He and his brother were trying to save the house. Sandy gave them no chance. Out of the corner of my eye i see my neighbors house floating, and it crashed into mine and knocked it off the foundation. Reporter they turned the dining room table into a raft to escape the house. When it broke they jumped to another house floating by and landed in a near by marsh. His house wound up there too. Amazing night, you gotta feel the hand of god in that, you really do. You shouldnt survive that, theres four fatalities on the next block over. Reporter the correa family now rents an apartment a few blocks away, but he comes here regularly looking for mementos of his former life. My wife when she was a kid. Report beside a few photos, he has recovered his wifes Wedding Dress and his sons christening outfit, nothing else. He knows they will never live here again. That seawall is gone. Without that seawall we have no protection from the ocean. This nearly killed me, and nearly killed my brother. To rebuild there would be irresponsible. At best. Reporter correa still owes 200,000 on a house that is worthless. His only hope for avoiding bankruptcy is a government buyback, but that process could take one to five years. Tony guida, cbs news, new york. Also in new york city, a 31yearold woman was arrested today and was charged with murder as a hate crime. The woman seen in the Surveillance Video allegedly pushed a man to his death in the subway on thursday. According to the new york times, the woman confessed to police that it was an act against muslims. The victim was born in india and was a hindu, not a muslim. Gun sales are surging, following the School Shooting in newtown, connecticut two weeks ago. In virginia this weekend, gun show organizers expected the turnout to double over the november show. Virginia state police say gun dealers are requesting a Record Number of background checks, representing twice as many gun sales over last year. Colorado, it took the bureau of investigation 23 minutes to do a background check in november. Now its seven days. Encouraging news tonight about president george h. W. Bush. Doctors at a issues ston hospital say hes improved, so hes been moved out of intensive care. Mr. Bush who is 88 has been battling a feefer and bronchitisrelated cough for more than a month. In maine, self same sex couples celebrated weddings very early this morning and were told that 15 couples married at the Clerks Office in portland. It became legal to do so at one minute past midnight. The result of the election day vote approving same sex marriage. Next on tonights cbs evening news, veterans return from war to fight new battles at home. Cec breathe, so i cant sleep. And the next day i pay for it. I tried decongestants. I tossed and turned. I even vaporized. And then i fought back with drugfree breathe right. These nasal strips instantly open my nose, like a breath of fresh air. I was breathing and sleeping better. [ female announcer ] exercise your right to breathe right. Get two free strips at breatheright. Com. Hey its your right to breathe right. I honestly loved smoking, and i honestly didnt think i would ever quit. [ male announcer ] along with support, chantix is proven to help people quit smoking. It reduces the urge to smoke. 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[ male announcer ] ask your doctor if chantix is right for you. You make me happy when skies are gray [ female announcer ] you know exactly what it takes to make them feel better. You make me happy [ female announcer ] thats why you choose childrens tylenol. The same brand your mom trusted for you when you were young. How much i love you [ humming ] [ female announcer ] childrens tylenol, the 1 brand of pain and fever relief recommended by pediatricians and used by moms decade after decade. [ humming ] aww man. [ male announcer ] returns are easy with free pickup from the u. S. Postal service. Well even drop off boxes if you need them. Visit usps. Com pay, print, and have it picked up for free. Any time of year. Nice sweater. Thank you. This time of the year the dream of the holidays is for joy and the warm feelings of home. But for Many American veterans who served in afghanistan and iraq, this is the toughest time of year. Michelle miller reports. Baghdad from a black box. Reporter retired u. S. Army captain has a book of memories from her tour in iraq. It includes pictures of a memorial of her fellow soldiers, who never came home. All of those . Uhhuh. Reporter were in your unit. Right. Reporter thats a lot of people. She says this is one of the toughest times of the year. I came back in october 2008. So right before the holidays. And i was here for the holidays. Reporter so you get home, everybody is happy . Right. Reporter theyre celebrating. Its very exciting for them. And im thinking about being dead in the cemetery. Report she says she saw a lot of carnage whiling as a physical therapist in iraq. Although she appeared upbeat, once out of iraq she fell into a deep depression and thought about suicide. Do you have ptsd . Yes. Reporter describe it to me. Paranoid al, dont like to be out in large crowds. Reporter in march of 2009, she spent more than a week undergoing psychiatric evaluation at an Army Hospital in germany. The person needs to say hi, i need help and go get the help, thats the important thing. Reporter there are no exact numbers on how many active or former Service Members think about suicide. Its always going to be there. Can you cry to outlive it, outdrink it outdrug it, whatever, but in the morning youre going to wake up with it. Reporter he heads iraq and afghanistan veterans of america. Every single week our caseworkers are taking calls from around the country from folks who are really struggling. Report he urges veterans to seek help during the holidays. Can you go down to your local veterans group, can you connect with the organizations in your community, and you dont have to be alobby around those times of the holidays. Reporter so talk to somebody, you know. Work through it. Get over yourself and your mass you lynn or feminine pride and just talk to people about why youre upset. Reporter youre determined . For people not to kill themselves . Yes. Reporter michelle miller, cbs news. Pennsylvania. Ahead, the burrito boys, meet the teens who spend sundays serving up food for those that need it most. Ilup. [ male announcer ] truth is, nyquil doesnt unstuff your nose. What . [ male announcer ] alkaseltzer plus liquid gels speeds relief to your worst cold symptoms plus has a decongestant for your stuffy nose. Thanks. Thats the cold truth i get congested. But now, with zyrtecd®, i have the proven allergy relief of zyrtec®, plus a powerful decongestant. Zyrtecd® lets me breath freer, so i can love the air. [ male announcer ] zyrtecd®. Behind the pharmacy counter. No prescription needed. Smoke . Nah, im good. [ male announcer ] every time you say no to a cigarette, you celebrate a little win. Nicoderm cq, the patch with time release Smart Control Technology that acts fast and helps control cravings all day long. Quit one day at a time with nicoderm cq. Anyone have occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating . Yeah. One Phillips Colon Health probiotic cap each day helps defend against these digestive issues with three strains of good bacteria. Approved [ female announcer ] live the regular life. Phillips. Yeah we both relieve coughs, sneezing, aches, fevers. And i relieve nasal congestion. Overachiever. [ female announcer ] tylenol® cold multisymptom nighttime relieves nasal congestion. Nyquil® cold and flu doesnt. Finally tonight, it began as a lesson in holiday humility, that it is better to give than to receive. Two years later, its now a major effort to help those that need it most. One burrito at a time. Ben tracey has the story. Reporter it began with a lengthy Christmas Wish list. I asked for an iphone, mac book air and ipad, and an ipod. Reporter and a very frustrated dad. I went, this is too much and i didnt want to raise a spoiled child. Reporter Michael Johnson wanted to teach his 12yearold son alex a lesson. I think at that age took everything for granted. Kids dont think about having a house, having a car. Having a bed. Having clothes. Having food. Reporter so johnson made a batch of breakfast bur re tos, put them in the truck and took his son and his friend luke to see where the homeless live another streets of san diego. I was like scared because i thought they were all criminals and drunks and like addicted to drugs. Reporter but what they found was something different. They would all be like god bless you, and were like god bless you too. Reporter the boys now a group of seven have been making burritos and taking them to the streets every sunday morning for more than 100 weeks. They havent stopped, since these guys are the bottom. They have a lot of heart. Report around here they are now known simply as the burrito boys. Theyre like water really proud of you guys for doing that, and it really feet good. Thank you, brother. Reporter and in giving, these boys have received a priceless gift, perspective. They have nothing, and we ask for so much, and they ask for so little. They get just a burrito and theyre so happy. And were like wanting ipads and laptops and iphones. Reporter Michael Johnson says his son has changed dramatically since that first day on the street. My son looked at me as a young man that day, he wasnt a boy, he really grew up that day. Reporter a life lesson from father to son, that keeps on giving. Youre welcome. Reporter ben tracey, cbs news, los angeles. So far the seven boys and their volunteers have made and served 23,017 hot burritos. Theyll be back at it tomorrow morning for the 113th consecutive sunday. And that is the cbs evening news. Later on cbs, 48 hours. Im rebecca jarvis, cbs news in new york. Good night. Captioning sponsored by cbs captioned by Media Access Group at wg access. Wgbh. Org