House Democrats likely to punt on budget

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Democratic leaders appear likely to give up on passing a budget this year rather than trying to bridge divisions between progressives seeking more money for domestic programs and members in swing districts who fear being attacked on tax hikes.

Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth says he's "not very hopeful" of passing a budget plan through the House. And Democratic leaders haven't shown much interest in trying to pressure colleagues to unite the wings of their caucus around a messaging measure that's going nowhere with Republicans controlling the Senate or President Donald Trump.

Instead, Democrats are likely to focus getting the annual spending bills underway, though that process is also fraught with challenges.

Republicans controlling the Senate have unveiled a budget document that would modestly curb budget deficits.