By Bob Katzen

The Senate 3-33, voting along party lines, rejected a motion to suspend the Senate rule that prohibits amendments from being proposed to the conference committee version of the tax package. Republicans supported rule suspension while Democrats opposed it.

Supporters of rule suspension said Senate rules allow only a Yes or No vote on the tax package. They argued there are some flaws in the bill and that rule suspension is the only way to allow amendments to be proposed.

Opponents of rule suspension said that suspending the rule would result in hundreds of amendments being proposed to the package and lead to starting tax relief debate all over again. They noted that both Republican members of the conference committee signed off on the bill.

( A “Yes” vote is for rule suspension to allow amendments. A “No” vote is against rule suspension.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No