WASHINGTON — Congress stumbled ingloriously off Capitol Hill New Year’s Eve, with the Senate passing a “fiscal cliff” deal two hours after the deadline to address the tax and spending problems that Capitol Hill had created for itself, and leaving the final resolution for the start of 2013.
The lawmakers managed that feat despite knowing about the deadline for a year and a half, and despite having the deal in sight Sunday night. It preserves Bush-era tax cuts for income under $450,000 for couples and under $400,000 for individuals. The tentative deal also would extend emergency unemployment insurance and secure other tax policies that generally help the middle class.
The Senate voted for the plan 89 to 8 at 2 a.m. Tuesday after a late-night visit from Vice President Joe Biden. It must also be passed by the House, which is scheduled to start work at noon Tuesday.
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