Lawrence Journal World in Lawrence, Kansas

Tax cut survives Congress votes holiday approval

Congress approved a two month extension of the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits, shielding about 160 million workers from a tax increase and preserving Medicare pay relief. Obama touted the vote as a major year end victory while Republicans faced internal divisions over the Keystone XL pipeline decision. The measure costs 33 billion and is funded by higher guarantee fees on certain home loans.