Republicans push more than $600B in tax cuts through House

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have pushed more than $600 billion in tax cuts for businesses, investors and families through the House as Congress moves toward completing a year-end budget compromise.

Today's House vote was 318-109 for a measure that extended more than 50 expiring tax cuts. It made some of them permanent, including tax breaks for businesses that conduct research and for lower-earning families.

Republicans said the bill would help companies plan future investments. Most Democrats opposed the measure, saying it was tipped unevenly toward business and would drive up federal deficits.

Democrats overall are divided over the bill. It's expected to pass the Senate on Friday, and the White House says President Barack Obama will sign it.

Congress plans to vote Friday on an accompanying bill financing government agencies in 2016.