House votes to keep Bush tax cuts

WASHINGTON — House Republicans voted to keep tax rates at their current level through next year, using one of their last votes before recessing for most of August to approve politically symbolic legislation that President Barack Obama has vowed to veto.

The vote Wednesday was intended to showcase the contrast between the GOP view on taxes and the one pushed by Obama and congressional Democrats. The Senate, with its Democratic majority, already has approved a measure that would allow income tax rates to rise on earnings above $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples — a move that would affect the top 2 percent of earners.

The current tax rates, first approved under the George W. Bush administration, expire at the end of the year. Taxes will rise automatically if Congress fails to find agreement by Dec. 31.

“We stand for no tax increases,” said freshman Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y. The Republican plan would, however, raise taxes for millions of low-income households by ending tax breaks for families with children.

Democrats, emboldened by polls showing most Americans favor their side of the argument, argued that Republicans should not hold tax breaks for most Americans hostage for a “bonus” break for upper-income earners.“We all admire financial success, but when we give away trillions in tax cuts we cannot afford to those who need them the least, it’s the middle class who has to make up the difference,” said Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif.

The House voted 256-171, with 19 Democrats from mostly conservative districts or tough election battles crossing party lines to join Republicans. One Republican voted no.