So much for that pledge of fiscal rectitude . “We want everyone to know we have tried every alternative possible,” Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) said with a sigh after a House-passed AMT bill:
Eleven months after adopting stringent new rules aimed at reining in the federal deficit, the Senate last night shrugged off its pledge of fiscal rectitude and overwhelmingly approved a measure to spare millions of families from the growing reach of the alternative minimum tax without providing an offsetting tax increase.
The Senate’s 88 to 5 vote blew a $50 billion hole in the Democrats’ promise not to pass any spending or tax measure that would add to the deficit. The outcome brought a furious response from conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats in the House, who assailed the Senate and vowed to block passage of any tax measure that would add a cent to the federal debt.
“We run for reelection every two years. They run every six years,” fumed Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.). “Don’t try to tell me the Senate can’t take a tough vote.”
Ed Morrissey / Captain’s Quarters: Still Ignoring Option B
Ken Shepherd / NewsBusters.org: WaPo Cites ‘Conservative’ Democrats Who Are Left-of-center in ACU Rankings
Gaius / Blue Crab Boulevard: The $50 Billion Hole ” The Washington Post reports that the Senate :
Redstate: In Blue Dog Betrayal, Senate Passes Tax-Free AMT
Spree / Wake up America: Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Bill Passes the Senate
H/T to Memeorandum
Rep. Ross, the Senate is as gutless as you and your caucus are.
The demacrook party again puts its own needs over the nations:-w