Wall Street Journal (12/11/12) Damian Paletta; Carol Lee

Budget negotiations between the White House and U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) have reportedly progressed steadily in recent days, though no specifics regarding the talks have been released, as both sides have agreed to keep details private. Boehner visited the White House on Dec. 9, four days after speaking with President Obama on the phone. Obama also met with U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Dec. 7, the same day he spoke with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Obama and Reid also spoke on Dec. 10. Neither side appears sure a deal will be reached.