In key victory, Senate advances GOP tax plan

Senate Finance Chair Orrin Hatch is mobbed by reporters as he leaves a meeting with Republicans Friday. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
WASHINGTON — After days of debate and closed-door meetings, Senate Republicans advanced a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul package — a victory for congressional leadership and the White House who hope to see the bill become law by the end of the year.
The bill passed early Saturday morning on a near party line vote of 51-49.The federal tax legislation