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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: DGuller on June 16, 2011, 04:22:39 PM

Title: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: DGuller on June 16, 2011, 04:22:39 PM
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?
QuoteThe 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.

Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Cecil on June 16, 2011, 04:24:31 PM
How many that voted for keeping the subsidies are running for prez?  ;)
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Ed Anger on June 16, 2011, 04:36:43 PM
 :(

I need to talk to my broker, stat.
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: MadImmortalMan on June 16, 2011, 04:47:57 PM
Grassley just shit a brick.  :lol:
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Neil on June 16, 2011, 04:52:59 PM
Will this pass the House?  I can't imagine why it would.
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Razgovory on June 16, 2011, 05:12:36 PM
Quote from: Cecil on June 16, 2011, 04:24:31 PM
How many that voted for keeping the subsidies are running for prez?  ;)

Does put them in a difficult position doesn't it?
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 16, 2011, 05:14:31 PM
Quote from: Neil on June 16, 2011, 04:52:59 PM
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.
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: Habbaku on June 16, 2011, 06:22:45 PM
This is from the Onion, right?
Title: Re: Senate votes to end ethanol subsidies
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 16, 2011, 07:20:07 PM
Inconceivable!