House takes symbolic vote on taxes, talks go on

Reuters reports:

The House of Representatives, in the waning days of Democratic control, on Thursday passed an extension of Bush-era tax cuts for the lower and middle class in a symbolic vote that would let tax cuts for the wealthiest expire.

The measure, which passed 234 to 188, is expected to die in the Senate, where Republicans have the votes to block it. Twenty Democrats voted against the House bill and three Republicans voted for it.

Democrats seem to think the country can't afford the Bush tax cuts but can afford the Bush spending increases.