HOUSE PASSES TAX BILL

[bikertrash]

Congress sends tax legislation to White House

House gives final approval to bill averting Jan. 1 income tax increases

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Acting with uncommon speed, Congress sent President Barack Obama sweeping, bipartisan legislation late Thursday to avoid a Jan. 1 spike in income taxes for millions and renew jobless benefits for victims of the worst recession in 80 years.

The measure also will cut Social Security taxes for nearly every wage-earner and pump billions of dollars into the still-sluggish economy.

The 277-148 vote came less than 24 hours after the Senate cleared the bill, 81-19.

The legislation was the result of a reach across party lines between Obama and top Republicans in Congress -- stubborn adversaries during two years of political combat that ended when the GOP emerged the undisputed winner in midterm elections on Nov. 2.

Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla., called it "a bipartisan moment of clarity" as the House moved toward a vote.

After forcing a delay in the House early in the day, Democratic critics settled for a separate vote in their bid to toughen an estate tax rovision they attacked as a giveaway to the very rich. They were defeated, 233-194, with one vote of "present."

"The president will be able to sign it as soon as he likes," said Rep. Rob Andrews of New Jersey, who added later on the House floor he was supporting "an imperfect bill" in hopes of stimulating job creation.

House Republicans who will move into powerful posts when the GOP takes control in January urged passage of the bill.

Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, in line to become majority leader, said the measure, while not perfect, marked a "first step" toward economic recovery.

Largely marginalized in the negotiations leading to the bill, Democrats emphasized their unhappiness with Obama.

"We stand today with only one choice: Pay the ransom now or pay more ransom later," said Rep. Brad Sherman of California. "This is not a place Democrats want to be. But, ultimately, it is better to pay the ransom today than to watch the president pay even more, and I think he'd be willing to pay a bit more next month."

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said the White House "could have gotten a better deal" in secretive talks.

Policy differences aside, the legislation stood on the brink of enactment an astonishingly quick 10 days after the president announced at the White House he had agreed on a framework with Republicans.

With the economy performing poorly and a year-end tax increase looming, there were none of the customary congressional hearings that normally precede debate on major legislation, and few if any complaints that lawmakers had not had enough time to review the legislation.

The bill provides a two-year extension of tax cuts enacted when George W. Bush was president, avoiding an increase at all income levels that would otherwise occur on New Year's Day.

It would also renew an expiring program of benefits for the long-term unemployed, and enact a reduction in Social Security taxes for 2011 that would amount to $1,000 for an individual earning $50,000 a year. The bill's cost, $858 billion over two years, would be tacked on to the federal deficit, a sore spot with deficit hawks in both parties.

Obama urged the House to approved the measure unchanged, calling the bill a good compromise with Republicans that would help the economy recover from the worst recession in decades.

But his pleas have failed to satisfy critics in the House who adamantly opposed a provision that would allow $5 million of each spouse's estate to pass to heirs without taxation, with the balance subjected to a 35 percent rate.

Many Democrats favor an alternative to reduce the amount that can be inherited tax free to $3.5 million, and tax the balance at 45 percent.

Supporters said that, if approved, the change would expose an additional 6,600 estates to taxes in 2011, and the government would collect $23 billion over two years as a result.

Democratic leaders have spent the past few days trying to satisfy liberals inside the party who wanted to kill -- or at least change -- the bill, without running the risk of having taxes rise for millions on Jan. 1.

Republicans have left them little maneuvering room, warning they may walk away from their agreement with Obama if the measure is changed.

Nor was the tax bill the only priority that the White House and congressional leaders worked on as the year -- and their control of both houses of Congress -- neared an end.

Temporary funding for the federal government expires over the weekend, and Democrats want to enact a pork barrel-stuffed spending measure before conservatives take over the House in January.

Obama still hopes to push ratification of a new arms control treaty with Russia through the Senate, and the White House and party leaders seek legislation to let openly *** servicemen and servicewomen remain in the military.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., one of the critics of the Obama-GOP agreement, said it is important for opponents to have the opportunity to vote on alternatives, even if they have no chance of passing.

"This is the last opportunity we have," he said, noting that Congress will soon adjourn for the year and Republicans will control the House in January.

Other tax cuts, enacted in the past decade, include a more generous child tax credit, breaks for college students, lower taxes on capital gains and dividends and a series of business tax breaks designed to encourage investment. All would be extended if the legislation passes.

The jobless benefits that would be renewed would go to individuals who have been laid off more than 26 weeks but less than 99. Checks average about $300 a week.

Numerous business tax breaks that are due to expire would also be extended, as would a series of provisions relating to energy taxes.

Among them is the federal subsidy for ethanol, supported by many veteran lawmakers from Midwestern states but targeted for cuts or possible extinction by conservatives who will take office in January.

Read more: http://zzz.forum-motion.com/t17437-house-passes-tax-bill#ixzz18Lv5nURO

[cgbrown]

It had to be done.

[bigrocks85]

good post thanks

[dude67]

Yeah, Is there some new tax laws for the foreign currency investor? I will bet yes.

[NCTRIGUY]

Yes, it is funny how liberals want to tax those that are successful. I am sorry but an Estate Tax I.E. death tax is nothing more than stealing by the government. To this day I still cannot fathom how much success has now become penalized for the simple concept of greed by politicians.

Do away with the Death Tax, implement a flat sales tax and have everyone pay for their government in America.

[gman51]

Yeah, Is there some new tax laws for the foreign currency investor? I will bet yes.

Actually, the part that pertains to us is the Capitol Gains Taxes. According to this, there will be no change in the current tax structure, which means:

Short Term (less than 1 year) 35% or less

Long Term (more than 1 year) 15% or less

Your taxes are determined by your tax bracket and other issues in your portfolio. Contact your Investment Counselor for more details. I am a CPA "not" an Investment Counselor. Nothing I have posted here should be taken as financial advice (I have to post this disclaimer to cover myself, sorry).

[echo0marie]

Actually, the part that pertains to us is the Capitol Gains Taxes. According to this, there will be no change in the current tax structure, which means:

Short Term (less than 1 year) 35% or less

Long Term (more than 1 year) 15% or less

Your taxes are determined by your tax bracket and other issues in your portfolio. Contact your Investment Counselor for more details. I am a CPA "not" an Investment Counselor. Nothing I have posted here should be taken as financial advice (I have to post this disclaimer to cover myself, sorry).

Actually this might be considered a income tax, because something about it not being purchased through a broker or some bs. weather or not it can be a capital gain or income tax is still left unknown.

[legacyman73]

Funny thing is they don't have money for this so unless they are going to cut a lot of programs I don't know how they did it. Unless they have something in the bank that's going to get them out of this big hole we are in.

[dude67]

I have always thought this law to be the case. I'm not a CPA or tax attorney, but I think this applies. Not trying to hijack or start a debate.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sec_26_00000988----000-.html

Edited December 17, 2010 by dude67

[Norse39]

From what I'm seeing on fox news is the tax bill did not pass. No link, saw it on tv.

[Norse39]

From what I'm seeing on fox news is the tax bill did not pass. No link, saw it on tv.

Sorry, not enough sleep or coffee. Still struggling with a coherent thought process!

[earlygaudy]

I have always thought this law to be the case. I'm not a CPA or tax attorney, but I think this applies. Not trying to hijack or start a debate.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sec_26_00000988----000-.html

I read this but still don't understand it. What do you think it's saying as concerning our investment. Thanks so much for your help.

[carolskids05]

I just saw it on fox news too did not pass! Sorry no link

[powerpager]

OBAMANOS !!!

[dinarokie]

Yes, it is funny how liberals want to tax those that are successful. I am sorry but an Estate Tax I.E. death tax is nothing more than stealing by the government. To this day I still cannot fathom how much success has now become penalized for the simple concept of greed by politicians.

Do away with the Death Tax, implement a flat sales tax and have everyone pay for their government in America.

you interested in running for senate ?? i will back you .... lol

[Captjohn]

Better yet, the egregious OMNIBUS BILL has died in the Senate. Looks like 2011 will be a banner year......starting with the defunding, dismantling, and replacement of Obamacare....yes, Tiny Tim, this will be a Merry Christmas.

[AmyM]

Yes, it is funny how liberals want to tax those that are successful. I am sorry but an Estate Tax I.E. death tax is nothing more than stealing by the government. To this day I still cannot fathom how much success has now become penalized for the simple concept of greed by politicians.

Do away with the Death Tax, implement a flat sales tax and have everyone pay for their government in America.

AMEN to that!! That is what we do in this country today - penalize success and reward lethargy! Flat tax is what we need, absolutely!

[jte70]

Good news.

Acting with speed? It had to be passed by today!