Tax “extenders” bill is derailed by filibuster
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.
Senate opens work on tax “extenders” bill
Senators voted 96-3 to take up a bill that would retroactively reinstate five dozen tax breaks for two years at a cost of $81 billion. "Lawmakers overseeing tax policy have indicated that a final deal to extend all of the expired credits might not come until after the midterm elections," said The Hill newspaper. The Senate was scheduled to continue consideration today of a motion to proceed on the bill.