Dems Predict Tax Deal Will Pass in Senate
The Hill reports:
Leading members of the Senate Democratic conference predict the tax deal struck between President Obama and GOP leaders will pass the Senate, making the House the main battleground.
As of midday Wednesday, only two on the left had said they would vote against the tax package: Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.).
Democrats who have criticized the deal such as Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) have left open the possibility of supporting the package in the end.
“I was inclined to vote no but it’s still a work in progress,” said Harkin. “Let’s see what happens, things are happening.”
Harkin would like to see unemployment benefits extended for two years instead of 13 months, as Obama and GOP leaders have agreed. Harkin said the extension of unemployment benefits should mirror the two-year extension of tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest individuals and families.
He said he was strongly opposed to setting the estate tax at 35 percent for inheritances over $5 million but doubts it would be possible to renegotiate that part of the deal.
Harkin said the package “probably will” pass the Senate.
But it will likely face a tougher fight in the House.
Click here to read more.
