Obama applauds Senate test vote on tax cut plan
President Barack Obama, accompanied by former President Bill Clinton, speaks briefly in the briefing room of the White House in Washington. (Dec. 10, 2010) Credit: AP
President Barack Obama is praising a test vote in the Senate supporting the compromise tax plan he negotiated with Republicans.
He says it proves both parties can work together.
The president spoke at the White House on Monday after the Senate surpassed the 60-vote threshold it needed to advance the legislation toward final passage.
A vote that would send the proposal to the House is expected Tuesday.
Obama says the plan would help create jobs by providing 13 months of jobless benefits to the unemployed and by cutting payroll taxes to all workers.
The president reached the compromise with Republicans after they insisted that all Bush-era tax cuts be extended. Under the agreement, expiring income tax rates for all taxpayers would continue for two years.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
