–Senate Majority Whip:Doesn’t See Scenario To Extend Full Bush Tax Cuts
By John Shaw
WASHINGTON (MNI) – Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said Monday he
expects the Senate to vote on a measure to extend some of the 2001 and
2003 Bush tax cuts before Congress adjourns in early October to campaign
for the mid-term elections.
Speaking on Bloomberg TV, Durbin said a Senate vote to extend the
middle class portion of the Bush tax cuts is likely to occur within “the
next two weeks.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has also said he expects the
Senate to vote on extending at least some of the Bush tax cuts before
Congress leaves Washington to campaign for the Nov. 2 mid-term
elections.
Durbin did not spell out the exact procedure that will be used to
vote on tax cuts in the Senate.
He signalled clearly that any attempt to pass the full Bush tax
cuts, including those for the wealthy, would be blocked by a Democratic
filibuster.
Durbin said he is very confident there are not 60 votes in the
Senate to extend the entire Bush tax cut regime.
Democrats have said Republicans are threatening to “hold hostage”
middle class tax cuts by insisting that all of the 2001 and 2003 tax
cuts be extended, including those for the top 2% of income earners.
Republican leaders, equally disciplined in repeating their tax cut
talking points, say Democrats are determined to “raise taxes in the
middle of a recession.”
“We ought not raise taxes on anyone in the middle of a recession,”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says repeatedly.
The Obama administration and congressional Democrats have
repeatedly said tax cuts for individuals making up to $200,000 and
couples earning up to $250,000 should be extended.
Congressional Republican leaders have supported extending all of
the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: (202) 371-2121 **
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