'Fiscal Cliff' Agreement Passes in the Senate, House Expected to Act Next

 

Washington, DC
Monday, December 31, 2012

The Senate passed HR 8, the Tax Relief Extension Act, by a vote of 89 to 8. The so-called "fiscal cliff" agreement had been negotiated earlier in the day between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Vice President Joe Biden.

The House is in for legislative business at noon ET and is expected to take action on the Senate agreement some time during the day.
The Senate returns at 2pm ET this afternoon.
Last night, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement on the agreement, noting that she would present it to the House Democratic Caucus once a final agreement was reached and passed in the Senate.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and other members of the Republican leadership team also issued a statement tonight on the Senate agreement.
“The House will honor its commitment to consider the Senate agreement if it is passed.  Decisions about whether the House will seek to accept or promptly amend the measure will not be made until House members -- and the American people -- have been able to review the legislation.”