US House approves tax break bill

WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping package Thursday extending tax breaks and credits worth $629 billion aimed at providing greater certainty for businesses and millions of Americans.

The bill includes 56 extensions, among them nearly two dozen that would be made permanent in part to help families still struggling in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

Several Democrats, including party leaders in the House, opposed the bill, warning it is not paid for and will only deepen US debt.  Their opposition puts them at odds with the White House, which on Wednesday announced its support for the tax bill as well as a sprawling year-end federal spending bill that the House votes on Friday.  The tax measure passed the House 318 votes to 109, with all but three Republicans in favor and most Democrats opposed.