WASHINGTON (AP) - Despite suffering a major defeat this week when he couldn't muster enough support among fellow Republicans to pass his own tax proposal, House Speaker John Boehner says: "hope springs eternal" for a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff.

In the GOP media address, Boehner urges Democrats to work with Republicans in Congress on spending cuts and tax reforms. President Barack Obama says he'll now pursue a less ambitious budget deal with Republicans.

Despite grumbling within his party, especially among conservatives, Boehner says he isn't worried about losing his job when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3.

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