On July 29 Senate Republicans blocked an attempt by Democratic leaders to invoke cloture and proceed to debate on the small business bill (HR 5297) in a 58-42 vote. Republicans opposed further movement on the bill due to their inability to offer amendments, including the Lincoln/Kyl motion for estate tax relief (phased-in 35% rate and $5 million exemption indexed for inflation, stepped-up basis and retroactive “election”). Leaders are expected to continue negotiations to enable a path forward for the bill.