U.S. economy improving, Operation Twist may not be extended - Bullard

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - The U.S. economy is strengthening but leaders must tackle a looming "fiscal cliff," a top Federal Reserve official said on Thursday, adding that he doubted the central bank would extend a bond maturity extension program that expires at end-2012. "It is of critical importance that the president and Congress get together and get to a solution on this," St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard told reporters. "This could cause tremendous damage to the U.S. economy if it is not addressed in an appropriate way. ...