Brown backs fiscal cliff bill that's 'not perfect'

BOSTON (AP) — Outgoing U.S. Sen. Scott Brown has endorsed the deal struck on the so-called fiscal cliff even though he says it is "not perfect."

The Massachusetts Republican said Tuesday the compromise "protects 99 percent of Americans from a massive tax increase" and gives members of Congress more time to address government spending.

Under legislation the Senate passed Tuesday, taxes will rise on individual incomes over $400,000 and household incomes over $450,000 and on the portion of estates that exceeds $5 million. Brown had previously supported a no new tax pledge.

Brown was defeated in his re-election bid in November by Democrat Elizabeth Warren. He has not said whether he intends to run in a special election that would be held if Sen. John Kerry becomes the next secretary of state.