This vote was on an amendment by Arlen Specter, R-Pa., that would modify the budget resolution to allow for a reduction in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), effectively rolling it back to pre-1993 levels.  This was the second time Specter’s amendment was voted on; the first time, it was defeated by one vote.  A revote was called because Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, missed the first vote.

The amendment would have the effect of exempting some 21 million Americans who would otherwise be subject to the AMT.  The amendment would not make up for the loss of tax revenue by raising revenues in other ways.  Democrats had objected to the amendment because it would increase the deficit.  This amendment was offered to the fiscal 2009 budget resolution, which sets overall spending targets for the Appropriations committees and outlines other budget rules.

By a vote of 49-51, the amendment was rejected.  All but one Republican present voted for the amendment (George Voinovich of Ohio).  All but one Democrat present voted against the amendment (Evan Bayh of Indiana).  The end result is that the amendment that would scale back the AMT without raising revenue to offset the loss of money was defeated for a second time.