2013-01-01 2:09/Senate clear fiscal cliff measure

title/short::Senate clear fiscal cliff measure The vote was an overwhelming 89-8 and came well after midnight on New Year's Day.
 * when: when posted::2013-01-01 2:09
 * author: author::unknown
 * source: site::Associated Press
 * topics: US/economy
 * keywords keyword::fiscal cliff keyword::US senate
 * link: URL::http://bigstory.ap.org/article/senate-clear-fiscal-cliff-measure
 * title: title::Senate clear fiscal cliff measure
 * summary:  The Senate has passed legislation to block the impact of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that make up the fiscal cliff.

The White House-backed legislation would prevent middle-class taxes from rising, and raise rates on incomes over $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for couples.

It also blocks spending cuts for two months, extends unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, prevents a 27 percent cut in fees for doctors who treat Medicare patients and prevents a spike in milk prices.