The $84 billion tax “extenders” bill was shelved, at least temporarily, by a GOP filibuster. A motion to limit debate on the bill failed 53-40 with 60 votes needed for passage. Republicans said they were not getting enough chances to offer amendments. An energy efficiency bill was derailed early this week for the same reasons. The “extenders” bill would revive five dozen tax breaks for two years, retroactive to Jan 1. It includes the $1/gal biodiesel tax credit.
“Lawmakers said they did not know what happen next,” said Politico. “Some Republicans said they hoped the delay would be brief, though the party’s top tax writer acknowledged the move could kill the legislation until after this year’s midterm elections.”