Posted on 12/02/2010 7:50:19 PM PST by OldDeckHand
The latest from the Capitol: Earlier in the evening, Senate Republicans and Democrats appeared to be settling on four tax votes: two for each side. The Democratic votes would include one on the House passed bill, and one on Senator Schumer’s (D., N.Y.) bill that would extend current rates for all making up to $1 million a year.
But then Republican Leader McConnell phoned Majority Leader Reid to relay that a GOP objection has been raised to bringing up all four bills tomorrow. Without being able to get unanimous consent, Reid will file cloture tonight on just the two Democratic bills, likely setting up a Saturday vote. No word at this time which Republican member(s) objected.
When Reid found out about the Republican objection, he walked immediately to Senator McConnell’s office — but McConnell has already left the Capitol. Reid could be seen pacing McConnell’s sitting room, waiting, we assume, for McConnell to come back to his office.
More as it develops.
UPDATE: Harry Reid says he is “disappointed” in the GOP, but Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) hedged, saying that “in fairness to Senator McConnell, he was stopped by one member,” who objected to the Democrats’ plan to hold four separate votes.
“Era of good feelings?” Durbin asked rhetorically. “One republican member didn’t get the telegram.”
Reid says the two Democratic votes will show where his caucus stands, but added that the White House-led bipartisan group is still holding negotiations and hoping for a deal.
Reid said that before tonight’s nascent deal was aborted, the Republicans were seeking a five-year extension of all current tax rates.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalreview.com ...
I have a very bad feeling about the week to come. Will we lose on taxes, DADT and DREAM Act?
Dick Durbin: did you sleep through the November election? You are next.
when republicans are negotiating be very afraid for your liberties.. Dems will rip them away
rebubs will negotiate them away ... results all the same
Taxes. The other two are deader than a Christmas ham. Taxes, OTOH - I'm not so sure. Wall St is going to want something done before year-end, and I'm fearful enough Republicans will cave, if for only that reason.
Me too. And you forgot about START.
In any case, the Republicans have a point about dealing with taxes and the budget first. I’m just scared that once an agreement is reached there, in the era of good-feeling, the Republicans will turn RINO and give Obama everything else he wants. Personally, I’d rather see the budget and taxes stalemate - if it means stopping DREAM, START, DADT and other crap - all of which cause HUGE long-term damage.
We will politically keep in mind all who push taxes, DADT and the Dream act. Take names and work to remove them for several elections if need be.
Nahh. They will extend the tax rates as they are for a couple years and pay for more unemployment. The fix is in.
Republicans will get 2 or 3 and think they did a great job. Then the democrats will proceed to pass DADT, the DREAM Act, and whatever else they want to pass.
I believe 'rigged' was the word used over that open mike...
I have NO confidence that McConnell has the backbone to stand up to Reid. McConnell is too brainwashed with that smarmy crap of being gentlemanly and congenial. I can’t see why ANYONE would want to be gentlemanly or congenial with a rattlesnake!
The 5 C’s of GOP “leadership”:
Cringe
Cower
Capitulate
Collaborate
and when all else fails...Cave.
I’m betting on tax hikes with DADT and the so called Dream act. Oh and the regurgitated Food Bill as well.
I am with you on that. I would like to see no deals if it means stopping all the other stuff the democrats want. Once the rats pass some of that stuff it isn't ever going away.
“I believe ‘rigged’ was the word used over that open mike...”
After the dance has been decided upon, all that remains is choreography.
You're dreaming. Durbin holds one of the safest seats in the U.S. Senate. Illinois just elected a so called "republican" Senator who is to the left of Durbin.
Remember the name Mark Kirk, he's going to make Snowe and Collins look down right conservative by comparison.
No, no deals, please! There is too much at stake. The Reps can always extend the tax cuts retroactively. It’s way to early to start compromising on anything.
Why should the GOP be negotiating anything in this lame duck session?
We have reinforcements coming in droves in a few weeks, there is nothing that can’t be done retroactively. Stick to your guns GOP! All the tax cuts need to be extended, or made permanent.
The Dems lose control of the house and 5 more Senate seats in early January. we can wait. they can’t...
The article said the McConnell had left his office and Reid was in McConnell’s waiting room, pacing the floor, hoping that McConnell would return. How much of a chance is there that McConnell would come back to talk to Reid?
Think about that. Once the new Congress is seated in January, the GOP can't enact squat.
If the Bush tax cuts are not extended, the House can pass a bill extending them for one year...or forever.
The Senate might even pass them, too.
But the President would veto them. And, then, they would be dead in the water.
The best way to get the tax cuts extended -- for everybody -- is right now. And, if the GOP has to make a deal to get it done, fine. Because, if we don't get them extended now, the economy takes another dive.
$10 says that would be one excruciating meeting to attend.
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