From NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.President Obama is taking his case for avoiding the "fiscal cliff" to the Philadelphia suburbs.Mr. Obama is insisting on higher taxes for the top 2% of earners and argues that Republicans are standing in the way of the deal.Speaking to a crowd at a toy factory today, the president says he's going to take the efforts of everyone to push his plan through."But we all know you can't take anything for granted when it comes to Washington.Let's face it.And that's why I'm going to be asking all of you to make your voices heard over the next few days and the next couple of weeks.I need you to remind members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- to not get bogged down in a bunch of partisan bickering."Republicans are calling the president's campaign-style trip today an obstacle to fruitful talks.Yesterday House Speaker John Boehner accused Democrats of ruling out sensible spending cuts that he says must be part of any deal.The House has passed a billthat would allow some immigrants getting advanced degrees at American universities to get green cards when they graduate.As NPR's Tamara Keith reports the legislation represents one small piece of what many argue should be more comprehensive immigration reform.The STEM Jobs Act targets a small part of the nation's immigration system where there is a broad agreement improvement is needed.It would allow students earning advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to stay and work in America when they are done.
