PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (LAN'-jih-vin) says a deal to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff is ‘‘well within reach’’ after the House of Representatives announced plans to return to Washington to face the year-end deadline.

The Rhode Island Democrat sent a letter Wednesday House Speaker John Boehner (BAY'-nur) urging him to call the chamber back into session to work on a solution. The House is now expected to reconvene on Sunday.

If Congress and the president don’t negotiate a deal, taxes will rise and billions in federal spending will be cut. Student loans could get more expensive. Military contracts, university research grants and social service spending would be reduced significantly.