Senate passes version of fiscal cliff bill
The Senate has passed legislation to block the impact of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that make up the fiscal cliff.
The vote was an overwhelming 89-8 and came well after midnight on New Year's Day.
A House vote was expected before Wednesday, but House Republican leaders were complaining that the bill doesn't contain enough spending cuts, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia said he could not support the bill.
The White House-backed legislation would prevent middle-class taxes from rising, and raise rates on incomes over $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for couples.
It also blocks spending cuts for two months, extends unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, prevents a 27 percent cut in fees for doctors who treat Medicare patients and prevents a spike in milk prices.
A last-minute addition would also prevent a $900 pay raise for members of Congress from taking effect in March.
Kansas senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran voted in favor of the compromise bill to avoid the fiscal cliff. Roberts said it's the best bill possible at this time, and it includes an extension of the 2008 Farm Bill. Roberts and Moran say they will continue to push for spending cuts.
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