Democratic Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski at Baltimore 2009 Motor Trend International Auto Show touting Stimulus package Bill

Mikulski scored a major legislative victory by getting her provision into the final deal at all. It was one of only two so-called rifle-shot tax breaks supported by industry lobbies and approved by the Senate; the other was for homebuyers. According to Mikulski's office, a family that takes advantage of the new-car tax break will pay between $300 and $600 less in federal taxes next year. Families earning up to $250,000 a year and individuals who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the tax break. It is an "above-the-line" deduction, which means it can be taken by anyone who owes federal income tax. The break applies only to the first $49,500 of the vehicle's purchase price. www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.autos13feb13,0,15...