WASHINGTON - The Senate approved a bill that kept the ethanol tax breaks but 34 Republican senators voted against the measure, the Washington Post reports. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), would have eliminated the yearly tax credits given to ethanol blenders.

The proposal did not garner enough votes to withstand a promised filibuster, but it get the support of a majority of Republicans, who have vowed to not raise taxes in any fashion, including tax breaks.

"It??s my opinion that it??s a disgraceful subsidy that is unwarranted and a waste of taxpayer dollars," said Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Coburn has been crusading against tax deductions and credits, which has been the subject of much debate lately. Vice President Joe Biden has been meeting with members of Congress to work on a deal that would reduce the national debt and fund the government.

Republicans and Democrats are hammering out the details, which will likely include decreases to spending programs and tax subsidies.

The House is expected to pass the measure to extend the ethanol tax credits.