The Senate has appointed three conferees to the tax cut negotiations. They are Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA), Max Baucus (D-MT), and Jon Kyl (R-AZ). The appointment of Kyl, who is an advocate of extending the investment tax cuts, is a sign that the leadership in the Senate supports this as well. Grassley said on Tuesday that the bill will not pass the Senate unless it includes both the alternative minimum tax protection as well as an extension of low rates for capital gains and dividends. Both measures, however, will likely not fit within the $70 billion ceiling which last year's budget resolution protects from the filibuster. Therefore, said Grassley, "The only realistic thing is $70 billion plus offsets." House tax-writers have stated their opposition to the revenue raisers included in Senate tax legislation, which could make negotiations difficult. Conferees are expected to meet after the President's Day recess.