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WASHINGTON (AP) — "In divided government, you don't get everything you want." That's how House Speaker Paul Ryan is defending the spending and tax-cut compromise that's being prepared for House and Senate votes by the end of the week.
The measure extends dozens of tax breaks for businesses and families, while financing government operations through next year. House Democratic leaders are urging their rank-and-file to oppose the tax breaks, which are estimated to cost $650 billion over the next decade. The House's top Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, calls it "practically an immorality in terms of how it damages the future."
But Ryan is predicting that the twin tax and spending bills will get bipartisan support. He says everyone should find something to like.
Republicans are likely to strongly support the tax measure but lean heavily against the $1.1 trillion spending bill, which they consider too costly, meaning it will need Democratic votes to pass.
%@AP Links
144-c-23-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)-"de-fund Planned Parenthood"-AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports the deal gives both parties something to crow about. (16 Dec 2015)
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143-v-36-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent)--President Obama and the GOP Congress have reached an end-of-year spending deal that averts the threat of a holiday season government shutdown. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports. (16 Dec 2015)
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APPHOTO DCSA106: House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, as lawmakers work to complete end-of-the-year business and pass a comprehensive spending bill. Congressional leaders are preparing to push a Christmas compromise on tax cuts and spending through the House and Senate by week's end after Republicans and Democrats reached agreement on a legislative package extending dozens of tax breaks for businesses and families and financing 2016 government operations. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (16 Dec 2015)
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