Tax Votes as Useless as the Taxes

Two days ago, the Senate voted twice on S 3412. In the first vote, an amendment was introduced to substitute new language into the bill which would allow the Bush tax cuts to be extended to all tax rates. This vote failed 45-54 along mostly party lines.

In a second vote, the original piece of legislation was voted on to extend the Bush tax cuts to all tax brackets for those who make below $200,000 and for families making less than $250,000. That vote passed by a count of 51-48 along mostly party lines.

Both of these votes are being tracked under each representative's political position on taxes.

While these votes are good for us to clarify where each person stands on the issue, they are a waste of time equivalent to the repeated House votes to repeal Obamacare. This legislation has no chance to be brought up for a vote in the House. It's also completely unconstitutional as all bills relating to taxes must originate in the House of Representatives.