As expected, the Senate passed the much discussed Tax Cut deal with overwhelming support, 81-19. The Senate on Wednesday approved a sweeping tax package negotiated by the White House and congressional Republicans, and House leaders – who were looking to amend the measure in a way that would satisfy liberals without unraveling the deal altogether – said a House vote could follow as soon as Thursday. The Senate’s approval of the bill came after three amendments were decisively rejected. One, sponsored by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), would have permanently extended all of the Bush tax cuts. Another, introduced by Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), would have excluded the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans from the tax-cut extension…. read on .
Senate approves tax cut deal by a vote of 81 to 19.