Keep the country from going off the fiscal cliff . A dangerous winter storm roaring across the eastern half of the u. S. Bringing blizzard conditions and travel nightmares. Plus, the nras controversial proposal to put armed volunteers in every school, well go indepth with the man in charge of the National School shield program. Im joe johns. Youre in the situation room. The u. S. Is now just six days away from the socalled fiscal cliff. And a mad scramble is on here in washington to avoid the drastic tax hikes and spending cuts that many fear will plunge the economy back into recession. President obama flies back from hawaii tonight to be ready if the senate comes back with a plan when it returns to work tomorrow. And house leaders are huddling with members on standby to return. Senior Congressional Correspondent dana bash is following all of it for us. What are you hearing . There was a Conference Call of course members of the house leadership even, theyre back in their districts, but
Im suzanne malveaux. Welcome to our 500th edition of our show. Weve got a lot to cover so lets get right to it. Russia dominating our newscast this hour. For two very different reasons. First, the man, that man you see there, russias top diplomat, he is now taking an active role in trying to end the civil war in syria. Now, remember, both russia and china have blocked u. N. Attempts to force out the assad regime. Now the russians say they are willing to meet with the Syrian Opposition. It could open the door for real u. N. Action on the ground, action that could mean american involvement. Weve got more details in a live report in just a minute. But also, russias president formally saying no to americans who want to adopt russian children. It is a heartbreaking development for hundreds of americans who are trying to adopt children from russian orphana orphanages. That is happening right now. President Vladimir Putin signed the adoption ban today. Sadly, more than 50 americans who were i
Its the top of the hour. Welcome to cnn newsroom. Im Miguel Marquez in for fredricka whitfield. Here are todays stories. The National Rifle association is standing tough in opposition to new gun laws after the newtown massacre. The ceo went on tv today to defend his call for armed guards in every u. S. School. Cnns Barbara Starr tells us what he said and how people in high places of power are reacting to it. Newtown. Newtown. Newtown. Newtown. How many more . Reporter performers and artists now joining with 800 mayors calling for a plan to end gun violence. But Wayne Lapierre, the chief executive officer and public face of the National Rifle association, made clear on nbcs meet the press that his organization will oppose legislation adding new restrictions to the sale of weapons or highcapacity ammunition magazines. Look, i know theres a media machine in this country that wants to blame guns every time something happensism know theres an antisecond amendment industry in this town. I kn
Centurys old mystery may be closer to a solution. Im wolf blitzer. Youre in the situation room. We begin with todays dramatic defeat for Union Workers in the industrials heartland. This was the scene as republicans pushed through right to work bills saying that they dont have to Pay Union Dues in in order to get a job. On lookers chanted, shame on you after the vote. This is a watershed moment because michigan is the same as Countless Union struggles, including this 1932 march where five people died and dozens were injured when unemployed workers were attacked by police and Ford Motor Company security guards. After decades of gains, fewer than 12 of u. S. Workers now belong to unions. In michigan, its fewer than 18 . Cnns poppy harlow is at the state capital in lansing. How did it go . Reporter are an historic day in michigan. A state at the heart of organized labor in this country. One person said, if it can happen in michigan, it can happen everywhere and thats why thousands and thou
Western pennsylvania and upstate new york today. Plus, theres a blizzard warning for parts of West Virginia and North Central maryland. And heavy rains on the west coast may also cause travel delays especially in the San Francisco area. Just ten days left for congress and the white house to make a deal and avoid the socalled fiscal cliff. The first family arriving in hawaii for the Christmas Holiday there, you see president getting off the plane, but before he left, president obama urged republicans and democrats alike to get it done. In the next few days, ive asked leaders of congress to work toward a package that prevents a tax hike on middle class americans, protects Unemployment Insurance for 2 million americans, and lays the groundwork for further work on both growth and deficit reduction. Thats an achievable goal. That can get done in ten days. Congress is also in recess until after christmas. In his weekly address, House Speaker john boehner accused the president and Senate Demo