Senate GOP Tax Bill Clears Hurdle Wednesday

The Senate GOP tax bill cleared a major procedural hurdle on an expected party-line vote Wednesday, starting the clock on a lengthy debate that could last ‘until the end of the week or longer.  Republicans fell into line behind their leadership and voted to take up the controversial GOP tax reform bill that boosts several ag-related breaks, including those for small businesses and estates.  Democrats, including those from ‘red’ states, voted against consideration, arguing the bill would help only the rich and corporations.  Moderate Democrats demurred when asked Tuesday if they’d simply vote for a ‘motion to proceed’ to the tax bill.

“We haven’t seen a final version, we really haven’t.  Let me just say this we’ve reached out, we want to find an agreement, ” said West Virginia’s Joe Manchin

However, he and other ‘red state’ moderate Democrats are caught between their Senate leader’s platform and the their home state’s more conservative bases.  Meanwhile, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell called for the vote to take up the tax bill.

“This is our chance; this is our chance, to deliver relief for the people who sent us here and the way we can do that is by voting to proceed to the bill.”

The motion’s approval cleared the way for 24 hours of general debate and several more on amendments, with the possibility of end-of-the week Senate approval.  The House could either accept the Senate bill or negotiate a compromise with the Senate.

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