Another Significant Defeat For Frist: Sen. Durbin Says “Worst Special-Interest Bill I Have Seen In My Time In Congress”…

NY Times CARL HULSE August 4, 2006 at 11:37 AM
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Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked legislation tying the first minimum wage increase in almost a decade to a decrease in the federal estate tax, denying Republicans a legislative victory as lawmakers head into a crucial month of campaigning before the November elections.

Republican backers of the measure, dubbed the trifecta for its three chief elements, fell 4 votes short of the 60 needed to cut off debate. Democrats had argued that it was a bad bargain to exchange a $2.10 wage increase for struggling workers for a costly tax cut for the country's wealthiest families.

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