Congress to Big 3: Ball's in Your Court

After failing to strike a deal today on a possible bailout for the Big Three automakers, Congressional leaders offered the firms one more chance to push for the $25 billion lifeline they've requested, the Detroit News reports. Lawmakers will wait until December and require concrete plans for the money before proceeding. “The best way to proceed is to give them another opportunity to make their case,” Harry Reid said.

A bipartisan agreement to provide the funds immediately was to go to a vote today, but that plan dissolved after House leaders raised objections, which key senators echoed. “The key here is accountability and viability,” said Reid, the Senate majority leader. “That's what we're seeking. That's not too much to ask.” (More Congress stories.)