Senate Democrats will reject House changes to tax bill, aides say

Senate Democratic leaders say they will reject any House effort to amend a “fiscal cliff” deal that passed the upper chamber with overwhelming support on New Year’s Day.

{mosads}“The House Republicans have two choices: cut their losses and pass the deal now, or else put up a fight they cannot win and pass the same deal a few days from now after being further humiliated,” a Senate Democratic leadership aide said.

Another senior Democratic aide said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will not reconsider the bill, which passed 89-8.

“We’re done,” the aide said.

House Republicans emerging from a conference meeting Tuesday afternoon predicted they would amend the Senate tax bill and send it back across the Capitol.  

“I would be shocked if this bill is not sent back to the Senate,” Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) told reporters after emerging from the GOP conference meeting.

He said House Republicans are looking to decide whether to add spending cuts to the bill.

A senior Senate Republican aide said Senate GOP leaders would have to review the details of proposed House amendments before commenting.

— Erik Wasson contributed to this report.