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Politics & Government

U.S. Rep John Dingell Votes in Favor of Tax Bill to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

Dearborn Rep. John Dingell supported a Senate plan Tuesday to address expiring Bush-era tax cuts while delaying spending cuts.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted late Tuesday night 257-167 to endorse a Senate vote early Tuesday morning on a bill to avert the so-called "Fiscal Cliff", as tax cuts passed when George W. Bush was President expired January 1, in addition to automatic spending cuts which were delayed.

The Senate legislation passed early Tuesday 89-8. The legislation was still awaiting President Barack Obama's signature on Wednesday afternoon.

The legislation continues tax cuts for individuals making less than $400,000 and couples making less than $450,000. It also raised rates for those who make more than that by 4.6 percent.

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A complete list of the yeas and nays can be found on the website for the House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, voted for the bill.

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Dingell issued a statement Tuesday regarding his support of the legislation:

"I commend the House of Representatives today for acting in the best interests of this country's middle class. The bill we have passed will prevent tax hikes for the vast majority of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses, extend unemployment insurance for those who need it, and prevent payment cuts to Medicare physicians.  I am proud of the House members who put aside ideological differences to help hard-working American families in their moment of need and hope this bipartisan cooperation will continue as Congress moves to consider the other pressing matters before it."

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