As expected, the Senate passed the much discussed Tax Cut deal with overwhelming support, 81-19.

The Senate on Wednesday approved a sweeping tax package negotiated by the White House and congressional Republicans, and House leaders - who were looking to amend the measure in a way that would satisfy liberals without unraveling the deal altogether - said a House vote could follow as soon as Thursday. The Senate's approval of the bill came after three amendments were decisively rejected. One, sponsored by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), would have permanently extended all of the Bush tax cuts. Another, introduced by Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), would have excluded the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans from the tax-cut extension....read on

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