WASHINGTON – Democrats have blocked a Senate vote on President Barack Obama's proposal to extend tax cuts for one year for everyone but the highest-earning Americans.

The move came after Republicans proposed votes on two amendments: One on Obama's plan, and a second on a GOP alternative that would include top earners in the tax reductions. Democrats blocked both.

The Senate was debating a Democratic bill providing tax breaks for small businesses. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Republicans were trying to divert attention from that measure. The Nevada Democrat said the Senate would debate the broader tax cuts another time.