Update: Tax Battle Rages in Senate
Washington DC — Thursday marked the opening of floor debate over the Tax Bill. Currently (As of 2:00 pm), the bill is in the discussion of amendments, and their has been passionate debate so far. Senator Hirono (D-HI) at one point opened a speech questioning what the necessity of the Tax debate was, calling it “a scam” on the floor as America’s corporations were already healthy and doing well. Senator Booker (D-NJ) pointed out that this Tax Bill was a massive tax increase for much of his state.
There is consistent talk about voting on this bill tonight, although the details of the final bill are still being worked on behind closed doors in order to secure any number of the open votes. John McCain (R-AZ) announced this morning that he would vote “Aye” in regards to the Tax Bill. YDACC WhipCount now lists the vote at 49–51, with McCain, Moran (R-KS), and Langford (R-KS) as tentative yes votes, and Collins (D-ME) in the “No”. These however are still sway-able votes, and only one will mean a strong victory for Senate Democrats. A one vote gain by Republicans will put the bill in the hands of the Vice-President, who will certainly vote “Aye”.
