If they freeze the ATM it will add 50 billion to the deficit. The Democrats want to repeal the tax so it doesn't hit the middle class, but they want to do it responsibly by replacing the lost revenues by ending tax breaks for private equity funds, hedge funds and other partnerships.
The Republicans want to just add the money to our debt (so our kids and their kids will be left holding the bag). Protect those tax cuts for the hedge funds! Who's fiscally responsible here and who's looking out for the wealthy and who's looking out for the middle class?
From the article....
"A bill that would protect millions of middle-class taxpayers from being hit with a surprise tax increase over the next several months stalled in the Senate today, creating more confusion as filing season approaches.
The bill, intended to stop the alternative minimum tax from ensnaring more and more Americans, was supported by only 46 senators — 14 short of the 60 needed to shut off debate and move to a vote on the bill itself."
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/washington/05cnd-tax.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1196967789-iuSEZ+z/p3HCsm9C53nLNw&oref=slogin