Senate Clears Tax-Cut Hurdle

Congress is charging ahead on Obama’s tax-cut compromise, with the Senate shutting off debate on the bill this afternoon. On Tuesday, the chamber will likely pass the measure, which extends Bush-era tax rates and unemployment benefits. House Democrats have already said they will vote on the bill so long as they can alter the estate-tax portion to some extent. If they succeed in changing the bill, it will be sent back to the Senate for additional voting. The president's compromise is winning lukewarm bipartisan support, according to the latest polls, with about 60 percent of voters approving the new agreement and 22 percent disapproving.