US Sen. Brown casts votes against 2 tax cut plans

BOSTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Scott Brown has cast votes against two bills -- one Republican, one Democrat -- both of which would have extended broad tax cuts past January but with exceptions.  

Brown issued a statement saying that with the economy teetering on the edge of a double-dip recession, now is not the time to raise taxes on anyone, including low-income families, the middle-class, and small businesses.  

The $250 billion Democratic plan, which passed on a narrow partisan vote, would continue tax cuts through 2013 for everyone but individuals earning at least $200,000 yearly. The $405 billion GOP measure would continue tax cuts for everyone. 

The Republican plan would have let some cuts lapse for poor and middle class taxpayers.  Brown said lawmakers should instead be working on a bipartisan tax and spending overhaul plan.