Washington, D.C (AP) - Legislation to avert a Jan. 1 increase in
income tax rates has gained 60 votes in the Senate, the level
needed to advance toward a final vote.
The roll call is continuing, and the test vote is not final. But
the bipartisan show of support is a strong indication the measure
will be passed and sent to the House, possibly as early as Tuesday.
The bill provide a two-year reprieve in the tax increases that
are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1 at all income levels. It
also reduces Social Security taxes for every wage earner in 2011
and extends an expiring program of jobless benefits for the
long-term unemployed.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
