Los Angeles Times: The House of Representatives has narrowly passed a measure to keep lowered tax rates for individuals earning less than $250,000 a year. The final vote was 234-188, with 20 Democrats joining a nearly unanimous block of Republicans against the plan. The vote in Congress' lame-duck session was a symbolic one boosted by Democrats, still in the majority, who sought to force Republicans to vote against a tax cut. Republicans, who want an extension of the lower rates at all income levels, framed the vote as one that would raise taxes on small-business owners who create jobs.