Senate leaders of both parties belittled each other's tax cutting plans Tuesday as Democrats tried advancing legislation that would lower levies for companies that hire new workers, give raises or buy major new equipment this year.

Democrats want to push tax cuts through the Senate for companies that hire new workers, give raises or buy major new equipment this year.

A new law will let companies contribute billions of dollars less to their workers' pension funds, raising concerns about weakening the plans that millions of Americans count on for retirement.

The agreement to help contain student loan costs could be funded by $5 billion generated by changing the rules and rates for corporate pension contributions.

The Senate's top tax writer says he wants to overhaul the nation's tax code to help make the economy stronger and raise additional revenue to reduce budget deficits.

Scoffing at a White House veto threat, the House voted Thursday to repeal a tax on medical device makers that Republicans cast as a job-killing levy that would stifle an innovative industry.

For Republicans, it's an irresistible trifecta: A bill that gives them an election-season chance to say they're fighting to protect jobs and cut taxes, even as it erodes financing for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul they despise.

For Republicans, it's an irresistible trifecta: A bill that gives them an election-season chance to say they're fighting to protect jobs and cut taxes, even as it erodes financing for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul they despise.