Senate clear fiscal cliff measure

December 31, 2012 @ 11:09 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has passed legislation to block the impact of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that make up the fiscal cliff.

The vote was an overwhelming 89-8 and came well after midnight on New Year's Day.

A House vote is expected before Wednesday.

The White House-backed legislation would prevent middle-class taxes from rising, and raise rates on incomes over $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for couples.

It also blocks spending cuts for two months, extends unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, prevents a 27 percent cut in fees for doctors who treat Medicare patients and prevents a spike in milk prices.

A last-minute addition would also prevent a $900 pay raise for members of Congress from taking effect in March.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Comments (2)


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  • CH wrote...
    The House Republican Circus Clowns giong to do something, anything? . . . .
    December 28, 2012 5:21 pm
    they got a 4 year track recorder of nothing. Nota. Zip, zero, zilch.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    hey Joe tell old McConnell that had a farm to go blank himselve . . . .
    December 30, 2012 5:43 pm
    tell her to go get a beer with boner.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }