GOP rejects Democratic AMT deal

[babylonsister]

GOP rejects Democratic AMT deal
By Jessica Holzer | Posted: 12/06/07 1:21 PM
December 06, 2007


Republicans have rejected a request by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that the Senate approve by unanimous consent a one-year patch to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) with no accompanying tax increases.

Democrats quickly made political hay of the GOP move, which contradicted earlier Republican calls for extending tax relief with no offsets.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) blamed Republicans for obstructing tax relief, and called Reid’s request a “huge concession” on the part of Democrats. “If the AMT hits more taxpayers next year, it’s because of the Republican caucus. That’s clear,” said Baucus, who chairs the Senate’s tax-writing
committee.

Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), speaking on behalf of Republicans, objected, but said he thought a deal could still be worked out “hopefully sooner rather than later.”

A GOP aide said Gregg objected to give senators time to consider the request.

Reid’s request came after Republicans blocked a procedural vote to debate an $81 billion House-passed measure shielding millions from the AMT for one year and extending a package of popular tax breaks. The House bill included tax increases on businesses to pay for the tax relief.

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-rejects-democratic-amt-deal-2007-12-06.html

[slackmaster]

1. Annual band-aids on the AMT are stupid

We need to FIX the damn thing once and for all.

[annabanana]

4. Of course it's stupid to do it like this....

Who ever's "out" won't let it be fixed because it's useful. If the repugs don't let Congress patch it again, millions of Americans will see their taxes jump by THOUSANDS of dollars...

And the media will say "Democrats failed to pass legislation that would correct this"

[annabanana]

2. And on the "News" tonight? "Democrats failed. . . . . "

not "Republicans blocked legislation that would have . . . . "

It matters, you know. Most people aren't home to watch C-Span in person to actually catch these crooks in the act...

[librechik]

3. I am shocked! That the Republicans forge ahead with Operation Block Everything Democratic

they are usually such cooperative citizens, only working for the best deal for Americans.

(Do I need this? )

:sarcasm: