NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 53
The number of senators who voted to end debate and
proceed to a vote on a package to extend more than 50 expired tax
breaks — seven votes shy of the 60 votes required to overcome
the procedural hurdle. What's next for the extenders? Keep
reading.
LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE
Senate: Tax Extenders Package Falls Victim to Procedural
Scuffle. Despite broad bipartisan support in the Senate
for a two-year extension of more than 50 individual and business
tax breaks known as extenders, the bill failed to rally enough
votes to end debate and proceed to a vote on passage. In the days
leading up to the failed cloture vote, Republican senators
complained about the Democratic leadership's refusal to allow
amendments to be added and debated on the floor, including an
amendment that would repeal the medical device tax. More than 150
amendments were filed on the bill. Senate leaders are expected to
meet this week in hopes of hashing out a deal over
