AP: Pelosi Says Tax Cut Vote Possible Before Election

[flpoljunkie]

September 24, 2010

Pelosi Says Tax Cut Vote Possible Before Election
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 12:08 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn't ruling out a vote to extend soon-to-expire tax cuts before lawmakers go home to campaign in the next week, even though Senate Democrats have abandoned plans to vote before the Nov. 2 election.

President Barack Obama has been pushing for a vote by year's end to extend middle-class tax cuts. But House Democrats — much like Senate Democrats — are divided over whether to vote on the measure before the election. Either way, Pelosi says the goal is to send the House home by the end of this month.

The most sweeping tax cuts in a generation, enacted in 2001 and 2003, are due to expire in January. Republicans want to extend all the tax cuts. Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress want to extend them for individuals making less than $200,000 and married couples making less than $250,000.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/09/24/us/politics/AP-US-Tax-Cuts.html?hp

[geek tragedy]

1. I hope this is true, but not gonna hold my breath. nt

[onehandle]

2. The election is here. Democrats have failed on this. nt

[FrenchieCat]

3. Thank you judge!

:hi:

[Cha]

11. No, it's not here..and it remains to be seen what will happen..

[Beetwasher]

4. I Dunno What's Going On, But There Might Be Some Misdirection To Catch Repubs Off Guard/Message

And spring it on them at the last minute. :shrug:

[flpoljunkie]

5. Vote unlikely, but would love to see the Blue Dogs howl, if there were a vote.

[geek tragedy]

7. That's what smart politicians would do.

Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats think like lemmings when they're behind in the polls.

[Beetwasher]

8. Pelosi's Pretty Smart And I Wouldn't Count Her Out Just Yet

We'll see.

[tritsofme]

6. Can a middle class only extender bill even pass the House at this point?

Especially with the uncertainty of Senate action?

I tend to doubt it. Some 38 House Democrats have already come out in supporting at least temporarily extending all of the Bush tax cuts, and I doubt every other Democrat who votes to let the tax cuts for the wealthy expire wants to be the deciding vote.

I very much doubt we will see any votes on this before the election. If they allow a vote on extending all of the tax cuts temporarily, it would probably pass. That is the main reason it has been delayed, they don't have the votes.

[Nite Owl]

9. Pelosi wanted the vote

Hoyer is the one who said that it wouldn't happen. She is the Speaker so it is up to her.

[Qutzupalotl]

10. God I hope so.

Truly a no-brainer... if the votes are there.

[Tatiana]

12. Pelosi is trying to corral the caucus and get the Blue Dogs in line.

I don't think it'll happen, but I wouldn't count out Pelosi. She may have a few tricks up her sleeve.

[Dawson Leery]

13. Those bluedogs need to put in their place.