Critics fear the fiscal situation will push the country back into a recession . Fear of the fiscal cliff is worsened by partisan gridlock that led to it . Whether Congress can cut a deal after the election and before the end of the year is uncertain . Officials are skeptical that a lame duck Congress will do anything .
Economists warn the fiscal situation could push the country back into a recession . Complexity of the fiscal cliff is worsened by partisan gridlock that led to it . Whether Congress can cut a deal after the election and before the end of the year is uncertain . Officials are skeptical that a lame duck Congress will accomplish anything .