A little more info: The failure of HR 6049 in the Senate was on a vote to end (or limit) debate, I think to 30 hours. It can be brought up as regular business and debated (and ammended) over a longer period. Here is another recent article: http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle+articleid_2279578~zonei...

There is some he-said-she-said in this article: http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/cda_20080611_9311.php

I would say that the best place to put some pressure is on McCain who can agree with Grassley that the conditions don't make sense but at the same time vote for some tax increases that do make sense. That way he can come across as pragmatic and ready for the general. It is uncertain how much strength McCain has in his own party yet, but his party is pretty good at unity so if he attempts to lead, there may be enough who will go along. So far, on these issues, he has been ducking votes. Letting him know that we need action and not just words might do the job.

Chris