"The "haves" and the "have mores"...some people call you the elite. I call you my base."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7667085/A Senate aide said the budget plan calls for additional tax cuts of as much as $106 billion over five years. The Senate aide, who asked not to be identified, also said the budget plan would achieve $35 billion in savings over five years. Details were not available yet on possible spending cuts for a federally backed pension program or cuts to U.S. agriculture subsidies.
Filibuster-proof legislation:
Under arcane congressional rules, budget legislation is filibuster-proof in the Senate, meaning that supporters need only 51 votes to pass related spending and tax measures. Republicans hold 55 seats in the Senate. Two officials said there was concern among House GOP leaders, fearing defections from conservatives who want even deeper deficit reductions. Once passed by both houses, the agreement would automatically trigger a requirement for Congress to begin work on legislation implementing savings from benefit programs as well as cuts in taxes.
Senate Republicans favor including a provision opening a portion of the wildlife refuge in Alaska to drilling. House GOP leaders favor drilling, and have incorporated it into separate energy legislation. Options for tax cuts include extension of a federal tax deduction for state sales taxes paid, as well as lessening the impact of the alternative minimum tax on upper middle income taxpayers. Some Republicans also want to cut taxes on capital gains or dividend taxes.