Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies

[DGuller]

Is this for real?  There has to be some kind of a catch here, something that is a very good thing without any qualifications can't pass through the Senate these days, can it?

The Senate has voted to end about $6 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the ethanol industry. The vote on an amendment was 73 to 27.

Under the amendment, co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), refiners would lose the 45-cent-a-gallon subsidy, and the 54-cent-per-gallon tariff on imported ethanol from Brazil and other countries would be eliminated, Reuters writes.

Backing the repeal were 33 Republicans, 38 Democrats and both of the chamber's Independents, who caucus with Democrats, The Hill reports. Voting to keep the tax breaks were 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats.

The bill now goes to the House, which voted today to block the Agriculture Department from funding equipment the ethanol industry wants so filling stations can sell gasoline with higher blend rates.

In a procedural vote Tuesday, senators voted against ending debate on an amendment to end the subsidies, keeping the tax breaks alive.

[Cecil]

How many that voted for keeping the subsidies are running for prez? 

[Ed Anger]

 

I need to talk to my broker, stat.

[MadImmortalMan]

Grassley just shit a brick. 

[Neil]

Will this pass the House?  I can't imagine why it would.

[Razgovory]

How many that voted for keeping the subsidies are running for prez? 

Does put them in a difficult position doesn't it?

[Admiral Yi]

Will this pass the House?  I can't imagine why it would.

Should be easier in the House.  Corn belt legislators have more power in the Senate than the House.

[Habbaku]

This is from the Onion, right?

[jimmy olsen]

Inconceivable!