When did it change?

I'm reading here about the Senate voting down a commission to basically make recommendations on cost cutting and 'revenue enhancements.'

“This bipartisan task force is the best and most realistic option for tackling our tremendous levels of debt,” Gregg said. “To discard it is a major setback for the future generations of Americans who will be left to pay down our debt at the expense of their standard of living and future economic growth.”

But others, such as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), opposed the idea because the panel could have recommended revenue-increasing strategies such as higher taxes.

“I want a spending commission, and I worry that this commission could have gotten together and agreed to increase taxes,” said McCain. “Spending cuts are what we need. We don’t need to raise taxes."

Am *I* the misinformed one, or are those in the Senate taking over 'The Power of the Purse' from the House of Representatives...who have the Constitutional mandate of the purse.