WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have blocked a Democratic effort to hold a Senate vote on President Barack Obama’s plan to renew expiring tax cuts for all but the highest-income Americans.
The move was a reversal from earlier Wednesday, when Democrats blocked a vote on Obama’s proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid proposed holding separate votes on Obama’s plan and a rival GOP proposal extending the tax cuts for everyone, including the wealthiest earners.
Reid’s condition: Letting either measure pass with a simple majority, instead of the 60 votes demanded for many Senate roll calls.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell objected, saying he had not seen details of the bills.
Reid can usually count on votes from 51 Democrats plus two independents, though some Democrats in close races are leery of Obama’s proposal.
Source: AP
