The Senate just passed by unanimous consent the slightly tweaked version of the payroll tax deal it already passed a week ago. That clears the way for the House to pass it as well, expected shortly.

For students of congressional procedure, the more precise way to phrase this is that the Senate has agreed to deem the tax cut extension passed as soon as it passes the House. The reason for that is all tax bills must originate in the House.

But the procedural niceties aside, the Senate has in essence officially signed off on the deal.

David Kurtz

David Kurtz is Managing Editor and Washington Bureau Chief of Talking Points Memo where he oversees the news operations of TPM and its sister sites.