Is it any wonder why congress is held in such low esteem? Unless they pledge not to abuse the system like this, don't vote for an incumbent of either party. Corruption is rampant in this country and we criticize other countries for their corruption! We need to clean up our own house before we point at others!
1
Presidents, present and future, should have line item veto power.
Now how can I - or other mere mortals - have a chat like this with our supposed representatives?
1
More ships, more planes, more drones, more guns, more bombs, and hell, throw a bone to the rest of the rabble while you're at it. After all it is Christmas.
1
Many business get their 'breaks' thru blackmail - "cut my taxes or I'll move my business elsewhere!" Whereby, politicians pay the ransom. But, casinos? How does that work? Where are they 'moving' to? Some pol's will make the case for jobs in their states/districts, but what's the case for Sheldon Adelson and his casino? This is one clear case of simple favoritism and political pay-off. Remember, these tax benefits are also called "back door spending" - they COST everyone else who is not so favored. It IS spending - I'm looking at you Paul Ryan.
1
Hospitality and gambling ?
Hmm I wonder what a Trump Presidency will do with this loophole ?
It's no help being free from the special interests if you are a special interest.
Hmm I wonder what a Trump Presidency will do with this loophole ?
It's no help being free from the special interests if you are a special interest.
I read the article twice, as I was convinced that those dastardly capitalists, the Koch brothers, must be behind such an evil scheme. But I was disappointed, yet again!
1
Obscene profits are fine as are ships not asked for, but a minimum wage hike? No way; we can't afford it. Really?
3
How's that Citizen United working out? Just like the nonchalant Graham Bliley Act. Direct consequence in the coming decade with the only tax revenue base on the backs of the W-2 earner.
2
What SCOTUS hath wrought.
1
The essential political culpability lies with democrats for succeeding OR republicans for being defeated,in this miasma of a monstrosity of a funding bill.This is contemporary capitalism and there is no 'American Exceptionalism...There IS 'American Contempt.
1
Keep this in mind when your representatives in government ask for your trust--at least, if you aren't a millionaire CEO. I don't think that money's influence will ever fully leave politics, but we need to start speaking up, because corporations and their lobbyists are now the ones writing legislation.
2
I'm shocked. Just absolutely shocked! I had no idea. This hits me like a thunderbolt out of the heavens.
Who would have thought that there are people, groups, institutions in this country who promote their own special interests? That is so Un-American. So contrary to the vision of the Founding Fathers.
I am so distraught. I think the only to do is for all of us to do, except the True Native Americans, of course, is to declare this obviously ignoble American experiment a total and dismal failure and to go back where we all came from - post haste.
Swallow your shame and despair, by fellow brothers and sisters. Man the life boats.
My eternal thanks goes to the Gray Lady for exposing this perversion of American ideals for what it is.
Who would have thought that there are people, groups, institutions in this country who promote their own special interests? That is so Un-American. So contrary to the vision of the Founding Fathers.
I am so distraught. I think the only to do is for all of us to do, except the True Native Americans, of course, is to declare this obviously ignoble American experiment a total and dismal failure and to go back where we all came from - post haste.
Swallow your shame and despair, by fellow brothers and sisters. Man the life boats.
My eternal thanks goes to the Gray Lady for exposing this perversion of American ideals for what it is.
2
Is anyone still wondering why so many people are disgusted by what goes on in Washington? Especially galling: the lobbyists write the law, and it's not like these businesses will go broke without this tampering. Meanwhile, a lot of us commoners will.
2
Where in the world do I begin? Members of the Am. Congress, are thieves, and not one of them, by the Constitution, can be held responsible for stealing money from the Am, people. Ragan asked for a line item veto, and never got it. Clinton at least had the nerve to veto a national spending bill. This present presidentt dose not got the nerve to do the same thing No wonder individuals try so desperately to get themselves elected. Yet the people of this country work so hard just to keep their families fed, clothed, and a roof over they're heads. I'm heart sick. I can only hope that there are other people out there that feel the way I do. Just imagine not one ship, but 2 have been authorized to be built, and the US Navy neither asked them, or need them. God help us all. Not millions, but BILLIONS of money striped out of the spending bill, and all for the pockets of multimillion corporations, or is thsat multi billion corporations, and who knows how much ended up in the pockets of our CONGRESS. I REALLY AM SICK.
2
Once again, money talks and the rest of the Nation gets to pay the bill, so that the rich can get $3.00 richer. BUT we can not get poor people a doctor, or food, or housing. Our veterans are, in far to many cases homeless, jobless, and medical care less. BUT, more tax breaks for the job creators who, if they create jobs at all, make sure they are the lowest paying positions with the least benefits they can get away with. America is being, by the wealthy and the bought and paid for politicians, turned into a third world country. Never thought that I'd live long enough to see that happen.
4
It is a sad state I wonder when the revolt will happen. I am ashamed of America.
1
Anatole France famously said, "In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread." A contemporary update would say, "In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets, steal loaves of bread, and buy Congressmen."
2
This is disgusting corruption. It causes massive disrespect for Congress, gives a green light to tax cheats and shreds the moral fiber of our society. But everybody already knows that. It continues because we continue to elect people who benefit from the corrupt system. This is more that simply protecting jobs. It crosses the line.
1
"It causes massive disrespect for Congress???"
Who are you trying to fool, they are KEY players in the game of corruption!
Who are you trying to fool, they are KEY players in the game of corruption!
You know what? These riders are not that bad. It's fair for companies to be able to continue transactions that were already blessed by the IRS.
As for the extra ships, this spending STIMULATES the economy! We need the investment and the jobs.
As for the extra ships, this spending STIMULATES the economy! We need the investment and the jobs.
1
We are trillions in debt and getting deeper in debt. What economy are you stimulating. We need the jobs that went to India and China back, not rich get richer welfare.
I wonder what percentage of the people who staff the Las Vegas hotels and casinos are here illegally. Illegal immigrants and their children are big users of government programs. The hotel and casino owners want illegal aliens to remain her so they can employ them, but they don't want to help pay for the government programs that their workers use.
Harry Reid is one of the strongest supporters of illegal immigrants. Nevada has the largest percentage of illegal immigrants in the country relative to the size of its population. How does Harry Reid expect the country to pay for all of the services that we provide to them?
Harry Reid is one of the strongest supporters of illegal immigrants. Nevada has the largest percentage of illegal immigrants in the country relative to the size of its population. How does Harry Reid expect the country to pay for all of the services that we provide to them?
3
So while we and media were all focused on being terrified by terrorists, the real enemies of democracy were busy gnawing at the cheese in the Capitol, unnoticed until the damage had been done...again.
18
Our Congress talks about closing tax loopholes and then does an about-face at the very last minute to give them to the politically connected. They are nothing more than shameless panderers. They preach budget constraint, and then throw in pork barrel spending that our own military leaders say is unnecessary. In the future when Republican and Democrat members of Congress complain about each-other they are in fact demagogues and hypocrites playing to their stupid constituents ears, and not working in the bet interest of the American people.
7
Congress pats itself in the back for just doing its job. Using Congressional standards, those of us who show up for work are heroic. Congress praises itself because this a bipartisan spending plan and as such neither side got all it wants implying sacrifice,compromise and maturity. Yes, Republicans didn't get all the tax breaks they wanted and Democrats didn't get all the spending they wanted. But they each got some of them.
3
Textbook case of the bad stuff that gets jammed into laws at the last minute when regular legislative order isn't followed. The process itself is now corrupt. Billions of dollars at stake in last minute back room deals is not how the founders envisioned it. Sunshine and a reasonable amount of TIME for public scrutiny is necessary. Sad that this wonderful exposee by the NYT has come out AFTER the fact instead of two weeks ahead, when a popular uprising could've checked this scheme.
5
Why do the 2-1/2 honest people left in Congress tolerate having to vote on a multi-thousand dollar bill that they haven't even had time to read??!!
Truly, we have the best government money can buy.
Truly, we have the best government money can buy.
1
Let me get this straight. Taxpayers are saying 'Enough!' with the size and cost of government as it is, and even send representatives to DC to communicate that notion under the banners of our two political parties. But the donors that finance our electoral system are saying 'No, no, Congress needs to spend more money (on things we don't actually need) or I'll find a representative who will'??
No wonder Trump is having success! In the rush for political ca$h (thank you, SCOTUS!) voters are discovering they're being disenfranchised from their respective parties. The Dems/GOP had better start learning how to say 'No' fast, or they're going to be left with no good options (or friends) when the pitchforks come out. The Pentagon is already a black box, and now the Coast Guard is having to mothball new ships that it doesn't want? This is a game of musical chairs and the music is about to stop. Politicians of both parties should take note!
No wonder Trump is having success! In the rush for political ca$h (thank you, SCOTUS!) voters are discovering they're being disenfranchised from their respective parties. The Dems/GOP had better start learning how to say 'No' fast, or they're going to be left with no good options (or friends) when the pitchforks come out. The Pentagon is already a black box, and now the Coast Guard is having to mothball new ships that it doesn't want? This is a game of musical chairs and the music is about to stop. Politicians of both parties should take note!
5
Proving two things that should be obvious to everyone. Number one lobbyist write the legislation and our elective legislators pass laws with out reading the laws or knowing what they are making the law of the land. Like Nancy Pelosi admitted, we have to pass the Affordable Care Act, we will find out what is in it later. When are we going to make OUR representatives this is NO LONGER ACCEPABLE!
Number 2 as some have already pointed out when are the brain washed Democratic supporters understand Harry Reid is owned by the Gambling establishment,mChuck Schumer and yes Saint Hilliary are owned by the banks and Wall St. Wake up they are no more for the "little guy" than the big bad corporate fat cat protecting Republicans. They are all the same and it is time to teach them all the basic governmental lesson, they represent the people. Every single incumbent should be voted out of office and maybe they will begin to understand.
Number 2 as some have already pointed out when are the brain washed Democratic supporters understand Harry Reid is owned by the Gambling establishment,mChuck Schumer and yes Saint Hilliary are owned by the banks and Wall St. Wake up they are no more for the "little guy" than the big bad corporate fat cat protecting Republicans. They are all the same and it is time to teach them all the basic governmental lesson, they represent the people. Every single incumbent should be voted out of office and maybe they will begin to understand.
4
The United States is already a plutocracy. Our democratic government by the people and for the people ceased to exist 30-40 years ago. Elected representatives serve the corporations and one percent along with the right wing members of the Supreme Court who now say that corporations are people and money is free speech. The shaft job that has been perpetrated against the working and middle class of this country has been stunning.
3
Bible says what you sow is what you will reap. Dems and GOP are going to reap a bunch over this spending bill packed with special interest clauses. BAU in Congress, behind closed doors... We need a return to free enterprise, not enterprise that is privileged by tax benefits. Economies need to adjust to the realities of markets and not continually be propped up by tax subsidies and government handouts that never seem to go away.
1
Wouldn't it be a lot simpler, save a lot of money, and be more profitable for the real beneficiaries of these bills to simply make direct grants to them? Or better yet, to the congressmen supporting them? Instead of a billion dollar tax break for casino CEO's, why not just a five million dollar grant to each of the 10 largest ones? And as far as the ships being built in specific states, just give ten million dollars to the each of the congressmen who want these perks. After all, the only purpose of such pork is to get the congressmen reelected. $10M will probably guarantee reelection, dontcha think?
1
A(nother) disgrace! The corruption is so extensive, so deep that it destroys any hope of change. Even if Sanders were to win the presidency, the American Empire would continue to stumble to its preordained doom, led by incompetent and increasingly disobedient generals, corrupt millionaires passing as Congressmen, and a criminal justice system designed to serve the wealthy and, as John Cage said, suppress the poor.
1
Harry Reid is a shill. I'm shocked as I thought the only bad people were the Kochs.
6
"...separate $622 billion tax plan that had special patrons."
Excuse me? That wasn't a "tax plan." That was a "tax evasion scheme." And it flew through Congress nearly as fast as a half-billion dollar gift to Israel to replenish the ammunition they were using to kill Palestinians last year.
This week, they'll all stand in front of the Capitol Christmas Tree and lament aloud the "growing radicalization of Islamists."
They will remind the voters that they were the ones who recognized "Americans don't have the stomach for an increase in the Federal Fuel Tax," while they pat themselves on the back for repealing the petroleum export ban, which will raise Americans' gasoline costs by about 20%.
This is the Congress we vote for. Money-grubbing, self-centered hypocrites talking out of both sides of their mouths. Republicans and Democrats alike with a few exceptions.
Thank you, Senator Bernie Sanders.
Excuse me? That wasn't a "tax plan." That was a "tax evasion scheme." And it flew through Congress nearly as fast as a half-billion dollar gift to Israel to replenish the ammunition they were using to kill Palestinians last year.
This week, they'll all stand in front of the Capitol Christmas Tree and lament aloud the "growing radicalization of Islamists."
They will remind the voters that they were the ones who recognized "Americans don't have the stomach for an increase in the Federal Fuel Tax," while they pat themselves on the back for repealing the petroleum export ban, which will raise Americans' gasoline costs by about 20%.
This is the Congress we vote for. Money-grubbing, self-centered hypocrites talking out of both sides of their mouths. Republicans and Democrats alike with a few exceptions.
Thank you, Senator Bernie Sanders.
5
Puppets+Puppeteers= Corruption that is the definition of our govt now a days.
2
Thank you NY Times for exposing this example of the result of a corrupt campaign finance and governance system.
Berrie Sanders is the only candidate who wants to change the system.
Berrie Sanders is the only candidate who wants to change the system.
9
Here is another example of the many ways there are to define "paying your fair share" when talking about taxes. Harry Reid and the Dems apparently define it as one way for others and another way when it affects his interests. Lets just move to the flat fair tax with no deductions/exemptions/trickery.
Complain all you want, folks. Nothing is going to change. This is how business is done in DC, and if you think ANY of our elected representatives care one bit about you or I, you are sadly mistaken.
Why do I say that? Just try and get two minutes of YOUR congressperson's or senator's time, at the twelfth hour, to discuss the changes that you want made to a bill.
Why do I say that? Just try and get two minutes of YOUR congressperson's or senator's time, at the twelfth hour, to discuss the changes that you want made to a bill.
11
BOUGHT AND PAID FOR!
The American people get the message, "our" representatives our actually "their" representatives.
Reid should be fired - and I'm a die-hard Democrat.
The American people get the message, "our" representatives our actually "their" representatives.
Reid should be fired - and I'm a die-hard Democrat.
8
Tax these patriotic business crooks 90 percent, the way that great Socialist Presudent Dwight D. Eisenhower did. Or throw them in jail where they belong.
6
Disgusting.........
5
Can someone explain to me what is the difference between this and what the Speaker in the NYS Assembly got convicted for?
9
there really is no fundamental difference. We are populated, in both Washington and Albany, with greed mongers who care only about their own gain, or the gain of the interests they represent (resulting in their gain as well). Appalling. Objectionable, Reprehensible, some say, but business as usual here in America. And I no longer believe we, the people, can do anything about it. Very sad.
3
This should be a SCREAMING endorsement to vote for Bernie by anyone who is as disgusted by this as I am.
Please, everybody.... MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!!!
Please, everybody.... MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!!!
12
Bernie is focused and consistent for the long haul. Why beat up and threaten and disrespect your opponent? Better to hammer away on a consistent and meaningful message. Want the alternative? Keep watching the GOP.
2
Republicans and Democrats earn my equal contempt for their irresponsible behavior. Examples of why there is so little connection between legitimate needs vs. Congressional pay-offs, money spent or allocated to be spent, and income aka taxes raised to pay the bills. Federal budget and management are accounting and financial nightmares that is gradually bleeding our Treasure dry and adding additional burdens onto current and future taxpayers. We, the taxpayers, are being bribed with our own tax dollars. Disgraceful
3
Public financing of elections would prevent these guys from selling their souls for money. But this is too logical - it'll never happen.
2
Do you remember that Obama agreed to public financing of elections until the money began to roll in and he changed his mind.
Let's see where Reid lands when he leaves the Senate.
5
Can the struggling middle class get together and write their tax laws? If big corporations can do it, why can't they?
There should be deadline for amendments to the tax and spending bill. No changes ones the deadline is passed. Lawmakers and staff should have at least a week to peruse such a huge bill before it is passed.
It is going to be painful paying my federal taxes knowing I will pay for big tax
breaks for billionaires.
There should be deadline for amendments to the tax and spending bill. No changes ones the deadline is passed. Lawmakers and staff should have at least a week to peruse such a huge bill before it is passed.
It is going to be painful paying my federal taxes knowing I will pay for big tax
breaks for billionaires.
3
"can the middle class write their own tax laws..." Citizens for Tax Justice is the group for you. For several decades they have been analyzing tax proposals and attempting to reach 'us' with the warnings. In my book, they are doing what you wish. They are not anti-tax. They are "what makes a system fair, stable, productive, predicable, low rates, broad based".
It's not a "loophole", it's tax code. Lay the blame on Congress rather than give the impression a "loophole" mysteriously appeared.
4
I am fast running short of patience with both parties. Very few of the people who tromp down the halls of Congress are there to watch my back (solidly lower middle class). I suspect I'm going the way of the dodo bird - extinct - and what will be left when the middle class and the poor disappear will be a world full of rich people. I wonder, then, if this rich society will reorganize itself into upper class, middle class and the poor - starting the cycle all over again. It seems the need to possess the most is a sad mindset we, as a species, cannot seem to shake. As long as that mindset persists none of us will quit trying to be the next billionaire, requiring us to climb all over everyone else in order to succeed. Wouldn't it be nice if we all chose to settle for what we need to live decently, caring for each other and our home planet,
oh boy, peace, quiet and safety. No more ISPIS types, No more Trumps. Dream on.
oh boy, peace, quiet and safety. No more ISPIS types, No more Trumps. Dream on.
3
Diane - your's is a correct...and sad sad comment. Peace.
He's the real shame; 278 comments on a NYT website is the extent of the objection. We have nobody to blame but ourselves!
4
This is why we need to CHANGE things. Corrupted politicians who flaunt their arrogance in the face of those who have no voice... due to runaway greed on the part of dishonest Senators and Congressman. Crooks are crooks. We need a Social Revolution that does not spend our money on the businesses that these "elected gangsters" support.
3
So sad that this isn't even much of a news flash. Legislators bow to demands of special interest lobbyists. Ho hum. What do you expect, with the system we have? Please note that both major parties are in it up to their eyeballs.
4
This stinks. Why should gambling interests get a break when all that they do is encourage wasteful spending, undue trust in luck, and unhealthy lifestyles? Gambling casinos should never receive federal government help. The funding should go to help poor people and social programs.
6
This is a prime example of why the electorate is so angry. Big money buys their way into not paying their fair share of the taxes to support roads, schools, and national defense; yet the average Joe is left to carry the load from flat line or ever decreasing wages. There is an anger growing in this country and both parties better begin to address it because people are simply fed up!!
7
Aussie: But is it? It's certainly what you and I, and most of the readers, are "fed up" with, but just change a few descriptive words in this article and you get Grover Norquist. To not continue tax breaks is to "increase taxes and threaten jobs." To not give business some "investment tax credit" is to stiffle them and...jobs. This is how Grover rules with his "no tax increase" pledge - manipulating words. So, yes, I agree with you that people are fed up...but call it a "tax increase" and they would walk across the desert barefoot to vote no.
A very simple explanation of exactly who is running our country and how they are doing it. Not a pretty picture of Democracy in Action - but an excellent summary. Add to that the power exercised by the States, for instance, in the Republican control of the lives of our female voter/citizens, and the total picture is even more dismal. Shame on us...........
3
This is an example of corruption pure and simple. Lobbyists should not be able to have this kind of influence. It's criminal and makes me angry at our government and the way it operates.
7
Thank you to the New York Times for at least letting us know how we are getting gouged. We elect these guys who get up there and can't get anything done except pout, posture, and protest. Until it is in the interests of themselves and their rich donors and then rapid action occurs.
The Midwestern working class is still out here WAITING for some job relief. Just so you know. Hello?
The Midwestern working class is still out here WAITING for some job relief. Just so you know. Hello?
7
These multi billion dollar industries use our highways, bridges, rail system etc. Yet their actions fail to provide the needed capital to support the infrastructure that assists them with the opportunities to make their profits. Hearing this and other stories recently in the news, it appears capitalism and responsibility have become mutually exclusive.
19
Just goes to show that the politicians and bought and sold by the corporations. Someone suggested that the pols wear patches on their jackets to identify who sponsors them like NASCAR does on the cars. At least we they would be honest about their corruption!
4
Thanks to the efforts of lobbyists, well heeled individuals and corporations no longer have need to cheat on their taxes.
1
Senators and Congresspeople have staff, who can help going through such 2K page bills. Ignorance is no excuse here.
2
This cannot last like this, everything is going to hell in a hand basket!
4
Let this be a lesson to Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos: If you're going to sell your leadership position for profit you need to do it at the federal level. Then it would have been exempt from scrutiny and you silly kids wouldn't be exchanging your custom-made suits for orange one. Oh well, guys, live and learn.
Hospitality and Gambling keep their loop-hole...and the Coast Guard gets a ship they do not need.
Senator Reid represents the mecca of hospitality and gambling in America, quit naturally, just as with the Teaparty, Conservative and Republican legislators – ie., "Language inserted...by Senator Thad Cochran, Republican of Mississippi, directed the Coast Guard to build a $640 million National Security Cutter in Mississippi that the Coast Guard says it does not need" – Reid acquiesces to his campaign-donating constituents as well.
Usually, the differences between the legislators are, who's receiving the bribes...oops, make that...'campaign donations,' and who's benefiting from the partisan-biased legislation...however, in this case, oddly enough, Reid actions were more Republican-safeguarding-business than Democrat-fending-people...making condemnations from across the aisle a bit on the hypocritical side.
Senator Reid represents the mecca of hospitality and gambling in America, quit naturally, just as with the Teaparty, Conservative and Republican legislators – ie., "Language inserted...by Senator Thad Cochran, Republican of Mississippi, directed the Coast Guard to build a $640 million National Security Cutter in Mississippi that the Coast Guard says it does not need" – Reid acquiesces to his campaign-donating constituents as well.
Usually, the differences between the legislators are, who's receiving the bribes...oops, make that...'campaign donations,' and who's benefiting from the partisan-biased legislation...however, in this case, oddly enough, Reid actions were more Republican-safeguarding-business than Democrat-fending-people...making condemnations from across the aisle a bit on the hypocritical side.
2
Every time Harry Reid and his fellow Democrat Party hacks complain that the Republicans are in the pockets of big business, they should be reminded of this tax bill and the big bonus for Las Vegas casino owners that Reid sponsored into the bill.
3
Harry Reid will not be missed
1
Did Harry Reid's religion command him to favor the rich over the poor? Maybe he should re-read the Book of Mormon.
While the Republicans were busy trashing the Constitution and the national economy, Harry Reid, the titular leader of the Senate Democrats was nowhere to be seen or heard. Now he surfaces, as the handmaiden of the 1%, screwing the middle class taxpayer/wage earner. What a disgrace; what a fraud!
2
Our tax dollars, corporations feed at the trough because of "Citizen's United". No debate about any of it! No reporting about it until all is said and done! We the people no longer live in a democracy. CITIZEN'S UNITED MUST BE REPEALED!! VOTE BERNIE!!
3
Oh boo hoo! We just lost $3 per head of the population because we can't jump on the backs of business!
As usual one part of Congress wants to tax business to buy votes from ordinary people who don't think they are being asked to pay for the benefits they vote for. The business lobby turns around and defends against this. Little does the ordinary person understand that any tax hits them in the pocket sooner or later.
As usual one part of Congress wants to tax business to buy votes from ordinary people who don't think they are being asked to pay for the benefits they vote for. The business lobby turns around and defends against this. Little does the ordinary person understand that any tax hits them in the pocket sooner or later.
1
ISIS doesn't need to attack. We've got our own terrorists in Congress.
1
They all need to go. Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell et Al. Go Bernie Sanders.
I read many newspapers everyday, on a wide range of subjects. Why have I been unable to find out exactly what tax breaks were given to whom. I've even googled it many times and no list at all has shown up. I'm starting to think that the powers to be do not want us to know what has passed in this budget. Does anyone have any advice where I can find this information?
1
congress are to lobbyists what ashely dupree was to client # 9
What can we do to get someone to lobby for the rest of us? This is insane- spending money where it doesn't need to be spent. Tax breaks for organizations that don't need them.
3
There is no difference among the likes of Reid, Obama and the Clinton-Bush dynasties - corrupt through and through. One could of course vote for Bernie Sanders but only if one were truly upset with the disease of rampant obscene corruption. It will be interesting to see how many voters are.
1
Hahahaha! How long have the democrats/liberals claimed it was the Republican Party that protected big money??? Has good ole boy Harry Reid become a Republican??
I'm sure that he's not the only democrat that speaks from one mouth but acts from another. Hypocrites!! Is there such a thing as an "honest" politician???
I'm sure that he's not the only democrat that speaks from one mouth but acts from another. Hypocrites!! Is there such a thing as an "honest" politician???
2
So who says corporate interests are a Republican issue when we Democrats like Harry Reid and Gov. Cuomo and HRC too!!
1
Earmarks are alive and well in Congress; have no fear. They may be criticized and declared illegal, but they aren't going anywhere.
1
It's nice to have a loophole for my gambling activities, but I would also like a loophole for buying running shoes for my kids, paying the dentist, buying milk, getting many bus passes, etc...
The 1 per cent and the 1 per hundred thousand live in a different world than me.
The 1 per cent and the 1 per hundred thousand live in a different world than me.
4
This is why we need to Go Bernie!!
2
Another day; another dollar in our oligarchy. Everything is for the 1%, nothing but crumbs for the rest.
3
Notice that when the Republicans take over control of congress how they start spending like crazy..You ain't seen nothing yet.When that big spender Donald Trimp takes office,austerity will be a distant memory in Rrpublican minds.Pundits will stop talking about the looming debt crisis. Simpson and Bowles will not show up on Mornig Joe.
1
If a large public company like Darden wants to spin off it's real estate holdings into a REIT, why should the government become a partner? Why should the shareholders, who took a risk to be a part owner of Darden, have to pay uncle Sam to split off a part of the company. How did the US gov't become a partner with no risk on their part? The original company will still pay taxes, and the shareholders of the reit will pay taxes on the distributions. Why is this viewed as a loop hole?
2
Nice reporting - Thank you!
3
Another example of capitalism gone amuck in our day. Why are lobbyist writing legislation? The fact (for one reason or another) that they have such a huge influence on elected officials is unconstitutional. If not legally, then by the spirit of the constitution. I am sure if the framers of the constitution could conceive of today's landscape, corporations, lobby groups etc. they would have closed that lobby loophole in a second.
In reality people who work as corporate attorneys, lobbyist are much more sophisticated and have more time than public servants. As such the corporate tax code is written by them. This is why Apple and other corporations can park money abroad and not be taxed on it.
Here is the proof in the pudding: I have a friend at Google, they have something like 21 restaurants, sleep areas, gyms, in-house massage etc. All a tax write off. I am a small business, if I so much as put a bed in my home office it is no longer a tax write-off. How can that be? I don't have billions of dollars of lobby money writing tax code for me, that's how.
Business as usual in this country is making John Adams roll over in his grave.
In reality people who work as corporate attorneys, lobbyist are much more sophisticated and have more time than public servants. As such the corporate tax code is written by them. This is why Apple and other corporations can park money abroad and not be taxed on it.
Here is the proof in the pudding: I have a friend at Google, they have something like 21 restaurants, sleep areas, gyms, in-house massage etc. All a tax write off. I am a small business, if I so much as put a bed in my home office it is no longer a tax write-off. How can that be? I don't have billions of dollars of lobby money writing tax code for me, that's how.
Business as usual in this country is making John Adams roll over in his grave.
5
This is one example of true bipartisanship. Both parties are beholden to wealthy, powerful interests - those interests just vary from state to state and time to time. Here in NY Sen. Schumer is beholden to Wall Street, as was former Senator Clinton. In Texas, it's oil and gas. Why do we continue the wasteful, polluting production of ethanol from corn? Ask Senators Grassley and Ernst from Iowa. The list goes on and on.
3
Obama represented the corn-growing state of Illinois. He also voted for "the wasteful, polluting production of ethanol from corn".
To ann:
He certainly did, and he campaigned in Iowa in 2008 in support of it. Interesting, however, that you seem to among those who, regardless of the issue or problem, tie it back to the President - who, on balance, has done a pretty good job in the face of the disaster he inherited. But, don't worry, he will leave office in a little over a year. Then you can turn your attention to Pres. Hillary Clinton or Pres. Bernie Sanders, and all those awful things they have done.
He certainly did, and he campaigned in Iowa in 2008 in support of it. Interesting, however, that you seem to among those who, regardless of the issue or problem, tie it back to the President - who, on balance, has done a pretty good job in the face of the disaster he inherited. But, don't worry, he will leave office in a little over a year. Then you can turn your attention to Pres. Hillary Clinton or Pres. Bernie Sanders, and all those awful things they have done.
1
Well, we all elected these guys, and a lot of us scream our heads off at any thought of regulating markets, banning corporate money from politics, or cutting back on the cartloads of money that go into unneeded military projects such as Collins' personal destroyer, an extra engine for the F-35, the 2000 M1A1 tanks that the Army didn't want, to say nothing of the $1.5 trillion (and rising!) we blew on the imbecelic Iraq War.
Heck, John Boehner usedta hand out tobacco company checks on the House floor.
So why anybody's shocked, shocked, I couldn't say. But I'll bet that at last two people posting here today are personally going to get something from these bennies, which won't stop them yelling about politicians.
Heck, John Boehner usedta hand out tobacco company checks on the House floor.
So why anybody's shocked, shocked, I couldn't say. But I'll bet that at last two people posting here today are personally going to get something from these bennies, which won't stop them yelling about politicians.
2
Off with their heads!
3
Does anyone else notice that scam artist Donald Trump is also a gambling promoter?
8
"Hospitality and Gambling Interests Delay Closing of Billion-Dollar Tax Loophole". And this is considered news? "Today the sky will be blue in some parts of the world."
8
The gift that just keeps on giving and giving and giving, thank you Supreme Court for "Citizen's United"
14
Will politicians never learn? Meanwhile, our scrawny middle class grows poorer and poorer!
9
Flat tax, term limits, and Pay increases for the Reps.
We 'll attract the brightest, avoid exhaustive "pork" and self interest "loopholes". Eventually, people will realize that their money is at stake no matter what the votes in congress and will get a handle on their elected officials in stead of them getting handled by the lobbyists.
And if that seems like wishfull thinking, why the support for the non-politicians in the early primaries? It's because it gets decided by the people before all the big money comes into play!
We 'll attract the brightest, avoid exhaustive "pork" and self interest "loopholes". Eventually, people will realize that their money is at stake no matter what the votes in congress and will get a handle on their elected officials in stead of them getting handled by the lobbyists.
And if that seems like wishfull thinking, why the support for the non-politicians in the early primaries? It's because it gets decided by the people before all the big money comes into play!
1
A flat tax mostly benefits the rich, if you design it to bring in revenues equivalent to what our tax revenues are currently. Term limits, though attractive, will do little to end the quid pro quo influence peddling in our government. Lobbyists will just focus on the parties rather than the individual politicians. Someone like Sheldon Adelson will simply go to the party leaders and say, if you would like me to make a big donation to your party, I need such and such legislation to pass. Consider it done. And the people wouldn't even have the voting leverage to threaten a politician if they are too overt in serving corporate lobbyists. We couldn't punish a politician by voting them out of office for serving interests other than our own because they'd be having to leave anyway. Politicians would spend their time making as much money as they possibly could during their term "limit."
So really that would change very little.
So really that would change very little.
3
Everything you described seems focused on non-voter influence on politicians. How about repealing Citizens United and establishing publicly funded campaigns? Any chance that would help?
2
Anyone that thinks the Dems are looking out for the poor or middle class is nuts. Both parties spend like they are drunk with money, but Reid set the stage in 2009 and 2010 for bills like this when he added all the comments and allowed changes for all bills BEFORE the vote. Once that happens, you cannot change the bill or delete aspects that are onerous - you can only say yah or nay.
The NYTimes critisizes the Reps daily, but never goes after the real culprit - look to Reid for unethical behavior. Obama said he would get lobbyists out of DC law making and the white house, but it's worse than ever.
I didn't vote for lobbyists, why are they writing the laws that I'm to live by and my tax dollars are to be spent on?! We'd have been better to 'shut the government down' until a spending bill that spent 10% less than was spent last year was in place; no pork.
This loophole causes another problem other than loss of revenue - it makes it impossible to go after negligence or rule breaking as the shell companies (trusts, reits, etc.) cannot be sued. A little law written decades ago to protect investors. But these are not investors.
VOTE THEM OUT.
PS Maybe we should all say no this year to the IRS; the people need a loop hole.
The NYTimes critisizes the Reps daily, but never goes after the real culprit - look to Reid for unethical behavior. Obama said he would get lobbyists out of DC law making and the white house, but it's worse than ever.
I didn't vote for lobbyists, why are they writing the laws that I'm to live by and my tax dollars are to be spent on?! We'd have been better to 'shut the government down' until a spending bill that spent 10% less than was spent last year was in place; no pork.
This loophole causes another problem other than loss of revenue - it makes it impossible to go after negligence or rule breaking as the shell companies (trusts, reits, etc.) cannot be sued. A little law written decades ago to protect investors. But these are not investors.
VOTE THEM OUT.
PS Maybe we should all say no this year to the IRS; the people need a loop hole.
2
This is what is so gross about passing these deals at the last minute, and I'm sorry but the Times acting like this is such a surprise, this information was out there, floating around like the lifting of the oil ban. The lobbyists, and congress are the culprits ( No DEBATE ABOUT IT AT ALL ), but the reporting of this is I believe as negligent, the people are not served!
6
A billion-dollar tax loophole. Big deal.
Postponement, if not outright repeal of the Obamacare "Cadillac tax" will cost billions every year; an estimated $91 billion over the next decade according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/01/obamacare-cadillac-tax-who-wants-it-and-w...
But 'saving' Obamacare, and helping unions, is worth any cost, isn't it?
Postponement, if not outright repeal of the Obamacare "Cadillac tax" will cost billions every year; an estimated $91 billion over the next decade according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/01/obamacare-cadillac-tax-who-wants-it-and-w...
But 'saving' Obamacare, and helping unions, is worth any cost, isn't it?
8
NO!! It isn't!!!!!!
Apparently this is difficult for you to grasp, but without affordable healthcare Americans die. We're the only country among the developed nations of the world that has large numbers of people who don't care if their fellow countrymen die of sickness due to their inability to afford the exorbitant cost of our healthcare.
There are those of us who would like to raise our country to the moral standard of the rest of the modern world and take steps to enable all Americans to have affordable healthcare, and there are Americans who prefer wallowing in the immorality of material wantonness, greed, and a lack of concern for others. And I don't mind pointing out that most of these immoral self-servers are among America's conservatives and vote Republican.
So, if you're for ending Obamacare, what would you propose replacing it with that would offer affordable healthcare for all?
There are those of us who would like to raise our country to the moral standard of the rest of the modern world and take steps to enable all Americans to have affordable healthcare, and there are Americans who prefer wallowing in the immorality of material wantonness, greed, and a lack of concern for others. And I don't mind pointing out that most of these immoral self-servers are among America's conservatives and vote Republican.
So, if you're for ending Obamacare, what would you propose replacing it with that would offer affordable healthcare for all?
5
Anatole France famously said, "In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets and steal loaves of bread." A contemporary update would say, "In its majestic equality, the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, beg in the streets, steal loaves of bread, and buy Congressmen."
4
The purpose of legalized lobbying is to get the correct answer for the USA.
Suppose an entity wants to spend $1,000,000 on lobbying for their issue. Then we should mandate they spend $2,500,000. Where $1,000,000 is the money they will spend for their perspective. While another $1,000,000 of their money will be given to a group that takes the opposite position. The remaining $500,000 is to pay for this assignment of monies and to ensure the opposing sides do not destabilize or otherwise influence the other perspective.
This will ensure funding for both sides of lobbying issues. Lobbying should give the right answer for the USA not some special interest.
Suppose an entity wants to spend $1,000,000 on lobbying for their issue. Then we should mandate they spend $2,500,000. Where $1,000,000 is the money they will spend for their perspective. While another $1,000,000 of their money will be given to a group that takes the opposite position. The remaining $500,000 is to pay for this assignment of monies and to ensure the opposing sides do not destabilize or otherwise influence the other perspective.
This will ensure funding for both sides of lobbying issues. Lobbying should give the right answer for the USA not some special interest.
1
Capitalist and lobbyists won the day. In no way does this help the ordinary citizen other than having to pay the debt. We need to close these loopholes and to seriously consider how to do so quickly. All agreements can be voided with a new Congress. If this continues, we have ourselves to blame. The one rule that needs to be changed is allowing citizens within a state to recall legislatures both in the House and Senate when they no longer are supported by the majority of that state. In this way, perhaps, we could hold them accountable.
4
a lousy billion ?!
chump change
jamie dimons couch has more than that in its folds
chump change
jamie dimons couch has more than that in its folds
3
simply th inevitable result of predatory capitalism
1
This is what Bernie Sanders has been pedaling from his platform and what the Donald's non -establishment supporters are getting behind. Sadly Hilary's fingerprints in thought are all over this flavor of a deal!!
3
Well light a match and pin my hair back. More insider, self-absorbed cronyism and nest feathering behavior from Washington. Ask yourself this. When was the last time your elected representatives actually represented your wishes? Then this. What do you think the outcome would be if this sort of budgetary legerdemain was referred to the general public for ratification? If you can watch all this going on around you and still believe that the will of the people counts, I would suggest that you are terminally naive.
10
the focus of the article is wrong. The $1b value of the real-estate tax incentives have arguable benefits, to an industry which employs many. $1.6b for warships NOT WANTED...that is the story. Those ships will have maintenance costs for decades to come. Those are just two examples cited in the article...one wonders how many tens of billions were unnecessarily provisioned for this already dominant portion of the federal budget.
In those two examples, look at which party sponsored which....
In those two examples, look at which party sponsored which....
3
You know, there's a reason why the Roman Empire and the HOLY Roman Empire fell, and the French had a revolution, and, gosh, so did we!
Stuffing the Christmas stockings of the 1% is an old game.... and it only lasts for so long before the starved out and unemployed start hauling out their dusty hammers and start building a new guillotine.
I think I can hear the pounding of new nails....
Stuffing the Christmas stockings of the 1% is an old game.... and it only lasts for so long before the starved out and unemployed start hauling out their dusty hammers and start building a new guillotine.
I think I can hear the pounding of new nails....
6
If a business cannot succeed without government money (i.e. tax breaks) then they don't have a viable business. The other side of that is if the government is going to give them taxpayer money they would be nuts not to take it. This is why we need to get rid of the tax code and replace it with a flat tax. We need to turn DC into a ghost town and give the lobbyists no reason to come to DC.
Guess who is the favorite candidate for the super wealthy? Hillary Clinton is pulling in 34% of all donations across both parties from the uber wealthy and pulling in 76% if just look at the Dem party by itself.
This stealing from the American public is never going to end.
Guess who is the favorite candidate for the super wealthy? Hillary Clinton is pulling in 34% of all donations across both parties from the uber wealthy and pulling in 76% if just look at the Dem party by itself.
This stealing from the American public is never going to end.
4
Hey I got a better idea why dont have a tax revolt dont pay your taxes at all folks. Let DC go bankrupt without our money.
1
Next time you get a $220 photo enforcement traffic ticket for going 5 miles over the speed limit in a school zone where no real warning was posted - and you cannot contest it - and pay higher tolls to use roads and bridges you can thank these robber barons because they figure out how to rob us through gambling and refuse to support OUR society by refusing to pay taxes. They use the untaxed profits to buy up prime real estate then hide that real estate from taxes through tax-free "trusts". It is time to elect a Congress and state legislatures full of smart people like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to break up these trust and seize the assets for the "common good" - to pay back the tax money they steal from US every single day. November 8, 2016 cannot come soon enough when we send their operatives in OUR governments scrambling for the door. And that includes Senator Chuck Schumer who seems to think WE will allow him to become the next Majority Leader. No way!
10
Is there a dimension in which 25 isn't the speed limit for school zones? And while I've never seen a traffic cam in a school zone--they're at red lights--having watched people boom past the local school at 50 or 60, I can certainly see why they might be put there.
I mention this because a lot of the posts here seem to boil down to one thing: if it's stuff for me, good. If it's stuff for others, corruption.
I mention this because a lot of the posts here seem to boil down to one thing: if it's stuff for me, good. If it's stuff for others, corruption.
1
If Sanders and Warren are so "smart", how is it they let this get through?? I didn't... and still don't... ANY protest coming from either of these "smart" people!! Do you???
1
An utterly corrupt system.
5
The Spanish elections, where four different political parties, including two newcomers, split the overall vote with none getting a majority, reminded me that although we Americans like to think of our democratic system as the only way to govern, the astonishing amount of corporate control over our legal system is absent in many other advanced democracies, and having multiple political parties is actually better for a democracy, since all voices of the people have a stake in the government. We simply elect representatives who are bought (and sometimes sold) cheaply, beholden not to their nominal constituents, but to their corporate overlords.
2
The way this is presented, as a hospitality and gamining lobbyists dream, really leads the reader to only think one way about this topic. They don't give enough information about the purpose of the REIT's. When your business is entertainment, gambling and hospitality what is the actual purpose of the trust, and why is it rental income not capital gains? Why would they want to diversify the different parts of their income into say, x, y and z? I don't think it is about a loophole, it is a structuring for best profitablility and to stay in business. I am really no fan of Harry Reid, but you have to look at how you would think of this topic if it did not have to do with gambling or behaviour you don't approve of, and see it as parts of a business. Many businesses cannot afford to own the property they are in, and other people would like to make income from real estate rents. Where would capital gains have come in, when the money coming in is rent?
1
Hey this is called "Democracy". "Special interest" and "Lobbying" is an integral part of this form of government. And this is legal.
1
Sadly so true along with women's rights and gun control
Ugh! When does this stop? Perhaps we citizens should hire our own lobbyists to advocate for us since our senators and representatives don't. It's just shameful DC business as usual.
1
This is yet another in the long list of examples of why Americans want to throw the bums out. Nobody is actively fighting for middle class working people except Bernie Sanders.
6
James, if Bernie Sanders is "fighting for middle class working people", where was he when the vote came around?? Check it out, James... Did good ole Bernie vote 'Yay' or 'Nay' on this??
I have a dream... that American voters wakeup and throw out all these lifetime politicians. Yeah, I know it is only a dream while I live through the corruptions of of our congresses and the nightmares of their crimes.
5
I know! Let's elect Hillary Clinton!
*She* can be counted on to stop these tax gifts to the rich!
(BWAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA)
*She* can be counted on to stop these tax gifts to the rich!
(BWAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA)
7
Let me remind you of something, least you be deceived. Citizens United opened the floodgates for the kinds of bribes that this Omnibus spending bill represents. 4 Supreme Court Justices voted against Citizens United and 5 voted in favor. The 4 Justices who voted against CU were all nominated by Democratic Presidents. The 5 who voted FOR CU were all nominated by Republican Presidents. It's in their DNA.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary Clintons, but the next President could decide whether or not we can change our campaign finance laws and end this influence peddling system we have for a government. The next President will probably nominate at least 1 SC Justice. A Republican will certainly nominate someone who favors Citizens United. Hillary, or any other Democrat, would not. And that's a critical difference.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary Clintons, but the next President could decide whether or not we can change our campaign finance laws and end this influence peddling system we have for a government. The next President will probably nominate at least 1 SC Justice. A Republican will certainly nominate someone who favors Citizens United. Hillary, or any other Democrat, would not. And that's a critical difference.
3
I've been doing a lot of I.T. work in exchange for restaurant meals, haircuts, etc. I've been told I'm supposed to report the value of this to the IRS. However, I'm thinking I may just vote myself a tax break this April. There's no proof any of this occurred, other than this posting which may be a complete fabrication anyway.
43
Whatever happened to the line-item veto?
This type of legislative "process" is symptomatic of what ails our government. For lobbyists and their corporate employers to have so much impact is not in keeping with what democracy is all about. It's no wonder that Senator Sander's campaign is generating so much support, despite vested media interests pushing other candidates.
1
A pox on both their houses. And both parties and all their monied bosses. The disconnect between governance and politics is fairly complete. I cannot see this ending well, so... it's like watching a tragedy of epic proportions.
1
Simple to see why efforts to impose a flat tax (a la Cruz) must be part of the Republican agenda.
1
Once again Our Government Fails We the People In favor of Businesses they deem too large to fail! Both sides have been sold and bought!
Bernie Sanders represents America's hospitality and gambling mecca, quit naturally he kowtows to his constituents and campaign contributors, just like GOP legislators. What he didn't do; however, is threaten to shut down the government...like a certain presidential candidate-wannabe from the big state along the Rio Grande.
It underscores the need for closing all tax loopholes that allow individuals and corporations with an army of tax lawyers and accountants to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
2
And this, my friends, is what is wrong with politics and the politicians in Congress who, once elected, are usually in office for life. Reid and McConnell are two examples who should have been voted out of office after their first terms.... and there are many more like them.
3
Yo! How come I didn't get my chance to put in my 54 words!?!
I'd have slipped in the Equal Rights Amendment and still have had enough words left over to declare world peace!
Oh, most foul - !
I'd have slipped in the Equal Rights Amendment and still have had enough words left over to declare world peace!
Oh, most foul - !
1
It's amazing how well the two parties get along when there is a tax break windfall for everyone.
4
Too bad votes are still for sale
1
Slow-clap for bipartisanship....
Greed! Politicians no longer represent voters. They are bought and paid for by special interests, particularly greedy corporations. They are the nemesis of democracy and capitalism. Disgraceful. We have such bandits in my country, too. They all should be in jail, not left free to keep lining their pockets.
2
Once upon a time it was a company's civic duty to pay taxes. Now, employing people - or simply creating or running a business, even if it employs none - is a sufficient fulfillment of civic duty, and the only persons that should be subject to income tax are working-class individuals. This is going the way of taxes on capital gains, which was argued should be eliminated because they reflected an investment that led to the creation of new jobs and development - a completely false argument because the only thing the purchase of previously issued stock such as Coca Cola creates is more wealth on Wallstreet.
America is broken by these thousand cuts. We need a Teddy Roosevelt soon to preserve, build, and prosper once again!
Got big bucks. The government's for sale.
NYT reporters Lipton and Moyer assert that this was all the doing of the Democrats and Democratic minority leader Harry Reid, and the Republicans just went along. Really?
Isn't multi-billionaire Sheldon Adelson, the Republican king-maker and owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino also a major beneficiary? Could it possibly be that the majority Republicans just got pushed into this by the minority Democrats? Of course not.
Adelson and the Republicans were wiling players in this taxpayer giveaway. The suggestion that it's all on the Democrats is patently absurd.
Isn't multi-billionaire Sheldon Adelson, the Republican king-maker and owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino also a major beneficiary? Could it possibly be that the majority Republicans just got pushed into this by the minority Democrats? Of course not.
Adelson and the Republicans were wiling players in this taxpayer giveaway. The suggestion that it's all on the Democrats is patently absurd.
57
Its BOTH parties! And the Democrats are NOT taking second place to anyone in this corruption game.
Shameful. Absolutely shameful. There have been months and months of work that could have been accomplished towards the budge bill had our members of Congress been paying attention to the duties of their positions and their responsibilities. They all should be ashamed to have waited to the last minute and ashamed to have allowed lobbyists to, once again, control their jobs and the actual wording of the bill. Shameful.
2
Three things are necessary to rid ourselves of this continual money grab by our "Representatives."
1. We have to recognize that while the problem is political, it is a problem with both parties.
2. We must impose term limits of 12 years total representation in the House and the Senate.
3. We must severely limit lobbyist's influence by making it virtually impossible for a lobbyist to contribute to a candidate or a PAC. And we must be willing to throw either the lobbyist or the "Representative" in jail for activities against the public interest.
1. We have to recognize that while the problem is political, it is a problem with both parties.
2. We must impose term limits of 12 years total representation in the House and the Senate.
3. We must severely limit lobbyist's influence by making it virtually impossible for a lobbyist to contribute to a candidate or a PAC. And we must be willing to throw either the lobbyist or the "Representative" in jail for activities against the public interest.
4
Mr. Reid serves in the Senate as a representative of Nevada's interests. Irrespective of political affiliation, it is perfectly reasonable that Mr. Reid promotes legislation which is in the best interest of his constituents. That's the way a democracy works. A better question might be; "who are the other supporters of that legislation and what is their motivation?". These other senators and representatives are supposed to provide balance to this system, yet they vote against the best interests of their own constituents.
1
Kvetch, kvetch. Stop complaining - we have the best government money can buy.
2
You people are afraid of ISIS?
Wake up.....its the Congress and the Supreme Court....Corporations...they killing this Democracy and its citizens.!."Where are the chosen people".....the superior american citizens? But you all just complaining, while you'r sitting in comfortable homes front of your giant television. Go out and "put you money where your mouth is!"
Wake up.....its the Congress and the Supreme Court....Corporations...they killing this Democracy and its citizens.!."Where are the chosen people".....the superior american citizens? But you all just complaining, while you'r sitting in comfortable homes front of your giant television. Go out and "put you money where your mouth is!"
3
Americans are generally lazy and too divided to realize the real threat to them.
Just sickening. Pandering to the wealthy, the well connected, and the military-industrial industry. Where is the line item veto pen? And who would be willing to line out all the pork. Bernie would.
how about an addendum stating that every middle class person who had to obliterate their IRA or KEOGH plan because of the recession gets the tax they had to pay for doing so REFUNDED.Why is it what's left of the middle class,the backbone of the Co.,continues to get shafted???
2
The oligarchs must be counting their blessings along with their money to have a Bernie and a Donald to give the masses some (false) hopes, otherwise, there would be a revolution.
1
Term limits for senators and representatives would be a first step to curbing these deals. We have enough people in this country that we could find fresh faces with new ideas say every 12 years at a max.
Everything that's wrong about Washington DC, both sides of the aisle, is contained in the very last paragraph of this article.Just after passing this outrageous bill, Senator McConnell decries the methodology used to pass it! Exactly what has he and the house been doing the last year about it? Boehner bailed out because he knows he would have been thrown out after this. What else did HE get I wonder? This is a game both sides play to enrich not only their own States, but their own campaign coffers. Disgusting and it will be the downfall of the US in a matter of time.
The greatest danger facing the US is not ISIS or some terrorists, it is that Congress, OUR Congress, will undermine the economy and doom us to debtors prisons by foolish feathering their own nests. Totally disgraceful, but all will get re elected nonetheless. Term limits, anyone?
2
Let's just be honest with ourselves. Both sides of the aisle feel that the only income that should be taxed is that from salaries and wages.
2
The biggest "loop-holes" of all time are deductions for Home Mortgages and not taxing the economic benefit people get from employer paid health insurance. We not mention that in this article?
1
Would it be easier to just pass a law requiring the treasury to send them a check? That would save millions of $$ that it costs to create the new corporate entities and file the forms that the IRS has to process.
15
I have often thought the same over the years here in the UK, surely cheaper to give them the money that they're going to get all along, and save the real taxpayers like myself who have to pay income tax on everything, the cost of court fees? We have a brilliant publication in the UK called 'Private Eye' that makes my blood boil with the corruption it details in its pages - check it out @PrivteEyeNews
It really is past time that the media connect the dots for everyday folks as to why the government is running out of money for roads, bridges, schools, social security, Medicare, etc. Taxes provide income for our country to function for all of us. When big business doesn't pay its fair share, who picks up the slack? We, the ordinary people do by paying higher taxes and having to pay directly for services that have been cut! An egregious example is small claims court ( not the ones on TV) where people who can't afford lawyers can go to plead their very real cases. In NYC the hours and days in operation have been cut, overburdening the well intentioned staff in the few hours remaining. The irony is that if things keep going in this direction the hotels, casinos and cruise lines won't have enough customers - the middle class - to stay in business. They are biting the hands that feed them, as are most members of Congress. If the media do their job, they will spell this out in charts on the first page, the first screenshot every day. Then maybe "we the people" will be asked back to the "table."
1
Off with their heads!
3
How nice for the hospitality and gambling interests!
Just remember that when Thad Cochran and Susan Collins vote to cut funding for Food Stamps that they chose to waste $1.64 billion on two pieces of unwanted metal instead. No food for children, the elderly, and the disabled, because those "expenses" need to be paid for by tax dollars that won't be generated from real estate investment trust money-shifting, but if you want a floating piece of hulking metal, then no cost is too great!
21
Ho hum. This is news? That the wealthy interests control government? And constantly get away with it? What would really be news is if one day the veterans with families who can't get health care and the millions who can't find employment, and so many others would finally get fed up and haul out the torches and pitchforks and guillotines.
9
We should have done that years ago but I think it is too late in my view it is like the old saying if you are in a hole quit digging that is what America keeps on doing is digging its own grave. Welcome to the CSA formerly called United States of America now it is the Corporate States of America.
1
AGAIN, greed trumps goodwill.
They won support from the top Senate Democrat, Harry Reid of Nevada, who responded to appeals from executives of casino companies, politically powerful players and huge employers in his state. AND, the lobbyists even helped draft the crucial language.
They won support from the top Senate Democrat, Harry Reid of Nevada, who responded to appeals from executives of casino companies, politically powerful players and huge employers in his state. AND, the lobbyists even helped draft the crucial language.
4
This is simply organized corruption. Isn't Reid's son a lobbyist? The thickens plots. NYT needs to lay out these relationships and hold these politicians accountable. When you look at the cuts to families to fund this greed it is really criminal. Lastly, those that voted for it because of the inability to stop it---that is all crap. They seem to be able to stop anything they want whenever they want except when they feel threatened by big money interests.
12
"This omnibus deal isn't perfect," Senator Harry Reid remarked on his Twitter page, December 16, "but a good compromise for the American People. It could have been a lot worse if it weren't for our efforts."
Perhaps Martin Shkreli should run for Congress. He would fit right in.
Perhaps Martin Shkreli should run for Congress. He would fit right in.
11
The supreme court has ruled that corporations have the same rights as people, but the people don't have lobbyists! The playing field is not even close to level.
11
What we need is a President who will go on television and explain this farce to the American People, "name them and shame them" - and see if we get a response. That in itself will say a lot about our country. Same treatment for those who still maintain that people on no-fly lists have a right to buy guns. Until these louts are exposed for what they are, they'll continue to do their worst.
The trouble is, many of today's political hacks have no shame. With fat pay, government pensions and superb health care, they have no "skin in the game" when it comes to looking out for America's Middle Class. What do they care if you and I can retire comfortably, pay our medical bills or send our kids to college? As they say in acting class - "What's their Motivation?"
They have none, other than to further extend their influence or line their pockets with lobbyist dollars.
The trouble is, many of today's political hacks have no shame. With fat pay, government pensions and superb health care, they have no "skin in the game" when it comes to looking out for America's Middle Class. What do they care if you and I can retire comfortably, pay our medical bills or send our kids to college? As they say in acting class - "What's their Motivation?"
They have none, other than to further extend their influence or line their pockets with lobbyist dollars.
6
This is blatant corruption and should be discussed widely during the campaign. I am disgusted with these actions.
7
The Citizens United U.S Supreme Court decision held that corporations can make unlimited contributions to politically related activities (i.e. PACs). So why are we surprised that the politicians who benefit end up engineering billions (trillions?) in tax breaks for these same interests? Meanwhile, the middle class voter - who might be able to contribute $100 to a candidate in a good year - must either (1) pay more in taxes; or (2) suffer from reductions in spending on national priorities such as our crumbling infrastructure. Dosen't this inequity violate the "one man, one vote" principle? What am I missing?
5
Lobbyists who contribute millions to parties and PACs, or who "bundle" millions of dollars of campaign contributions buy "access" that includes the ability to influence and even write legislation. The ordinary, non-corporate person who donates $100 to a campaign gets a pile of junk mail and endless robocalls demanding more money, but is otherwise ignored. That's how 21st century American "democracy" works.
1
Where are the lobbyists for poor peopl, the working class, for our crumbling infrastructure? The system, our vaunted democracy, is so incredibly broken, so utterly rigged for the wealthy and for corporations, and not for we the people. It's disgusting. They should be ashamed.
6
Alexandra, as far as the elites are concerned, we are NOT people. And the system is rigged because they spend OUR monies via their servants (our elected officials). How dare we think that WE can spend our money, when they are entitled to it. There's no shame in those who think they have a right to do whatever they want to do. Only THEY have the right to be entitled.
Just think about what $1 billion could buy together with a loan at the currently very low interest rates: a new and better bridge from New Jersey to New York, a whole set of new school buildings, years of green power research, etc., etc.
5
Will these nuts in dc ever do something for the people.
1
We must focus very clearly on the key problem....corruption. The constant battle between Republicans and Democrats pales in comparison to the problems created by Congress being paid for proposing laws to support special interests. For those who believe in capitalism and related market forces....corruption cannot be tolerated. I believe capitalism works but corruption is not capitalism and interferes directly with market forces.
5
As a loyal Democrat I am appalled by Senator Reid's actions on this bill. There can be no conclusion but that he is owned and controlled by the lobbyists for these plutocrats. He has no legitimacy on the issue of income inequality - he is part of the problem.
Welfare for the rich, served on a silver platter by a Democrat.
Welfare for the rich, served on a silver platter by a Democrat.
103
My monthly social security payments for this year are going down by $300 because I got a one time capital gain on selling my deceased parents' and my erstwhile family home last year. A modest sale in a working class neighborhood for which I paid $30,000 in taxes. I'm penalized for my real estate capital gain while on a fixed income and these rich crooks can buy their shelters from our representatives. A Congress of criminals run by a criminal cartel. Also how much educational or healthcare assistance can our people get for 640,000,000 dollars instead of a ship we don't need? PTA bake sales anyone for pencils and paper....
8
I repeat, ad nauseam, the US government--federal, state, and local--does not represent the American people, and will not until we take outside money out of the equation. It's a system of influence peddling that actually forces politicians to spend their time taking bribes, or lose their seats. There will be no more meaningful legislation passed that helps the average American citizen until we do something about this. This is the issue of our times, a far bigger threat to Americans than terrorism, but gets a thousandth of the attention. That's by design.
9
What would it take to change this? Well, Congress has 535 voting members, there are 9 Supreme Court Justices, and one President. That's 545 people - who are not corruptible by money waved in their faces, and are willing to get elected and commit political suicide. Think we could find that many people in America who fit that description? From the number of hot-headed comments on the Web, you would think so. How long will this go on? For as long as we let it. This is an area where Bernie's followers and the Tea party actually have something in common - if they would even talk to each other.
1
Go Harry Reid! Tax the middle class, and provide tax benefits to the 1%. The height of hypocrisy. Along with Thad Cochran, eliminate other people's waste while you spend on your own waste.
Bribery is illegal elsewhere in our society, but on Captiol Hill it is just part of the routine.
2
Harry Reid is appropriately getting a comment-lashing in response to this revealing article. But, let's not forget that the Republics control both the House and Senate and therefore all approved legislation including budget bills.
1
Would have been much better to lay off some of the 100's of thousands of people who work in the Casino and its supplier industries than allow this loop hole.
4
While Mr Reid may have aided some of his wealthy constituents, he has done great harm to his own party and to democracy in general. It is well nye impossible to argue that the Democratic party is much different from the Republican party when stunts like this get pulled. It is not enough that there are substantive differences, but in this news bite world these shenanigans grab the attention and a broader view is sacrificed.
Faced with the apparent spectre that neither political party will work for the common individual, millions don't vote, don't care, won't participate, leaving the process to extremists who further isolate those of us who take a middle view and just want to get on with our lives.
Perhaps the time is finally approaching when a viable third political party might rise that will pay attention to common sense solutions to our every day problems.
But I'm not holding my breath...
Faced with the apparent spectre that neither political party will work for the common individual, millions don't vote, don't care, won't participate, leaving the process to extremists who further isolate those of us who take a middle view and just want to get on with our lives.
Perhaps the time is finally approaching when a viable third political party might rise that will pay attention to common sense solutions to our every day problems.
But I'm not holding my breath...
1
I don't understand the outrage. First, this isn't a "loophole." It's a well-known tax reduction device that, as the article quietly mentions, the IRS is informed of in advance. Second, it is not being "delayed." Pending transactions that had already been presented to the IRS are being exempted -- that is all.
18
There's forming REITs, which are established financial vehicles and separate financial entities from the company involved, and there's selling assets to these legal entities without paying the capital gains taxes on the value of the sold assets, as they would if the sale were to any other legal entity. So they get the best of both worlds -- keeping control of the assets, and not paying tax on the transaction. That is indeed a loophole.
2
The problem is that this loop hole ever existed in the tax code at all. The tax code should be simple, easy to understand, and apply the same to everyone and every transaction. The entire code must be repealed and replaced with something simple and straightforward – with no input from lobbyists.
2
Avoiding taxes sounds like a loophole to me. How do you define "loophole"?
1
Harry Reid and the rest of the corporatist Dems like Wasserman Shultz need to be drummed out of the party. I am sick of the people who have lifetime pensions and health care cutting deals with other well fixed individuals to give them even more billions while the rest of us get shafted. I guess Adelson and the others got their Christmas presents early. What a travesty. Lobbyists write the legislation and the little tax paying humans pay the bill.
149
Where is your outrage about the two Republican senators providing ships that the Navy and Coast Guard neither asked for nor apparently need?
But it's challengers to the DNC (Bernie Sanders) who ends up drummed out.
"Harry Reid and the rest of the corporatist Dems like Wasserman Shultz need to be drummed out of the party. I am sick of the people who have lifetime pensions and health care cutting deals with other well fixed individuals to give them even more billions while the rest of us get shafted."
No one is getting shafted; the American people vote for these shysters. Please suggest who and how we drum people out of the party? Other than the guillotine, I can't imagine any other way than by votes.
No one is getting shafted; the American people vote for these shysters. Please suggest who and how we drum people out of the party? Other than the guillotine, I can't imagine any other way than by votes.
They're all prostitutes in suits and can be bought at a price...
31
These egregious instances of outright theft from the common American enterprise should be described by something well posterior to the anatomy of the bacon; but with the Iowa caucuses coming up let us not bad mouth the noble swine. Really, this makes the Silver-Skelos affairs look like people picking up spare change on the sidewalk. What if there had been a 'carve out' from the carve out excluding Trump's properties from the deal? Refer to Zephyr Teachout's "Corruption in America", and at least bring back discussion of the line item veto.
12
Corporations rule.
17
Yup, we have the best government that money can buy. We pay for it with a shrinking middle class. Glad I'm old...
12
Harry Reid wins, taxpayers lose. Someday in a more perfect World, the Budget will be passed without all these little addendums added. Then there should be a second Budget with just these little pork items, and let them stand alone in the daylight.
5
As soon as I saw the picture of dirty Harry I knew the fix was in. Thank goodness he is retiring. This is exactly the kind of democrat Hillary Clinton is/will be. please don't vote for Hillary because of the supreme court. Especially since there is a decent chance she will lose the general election. because people are rightly disgusted by politics as usual. Vote for Bernie
11
Many thanks to the Times for shining some much needed light on the parochial interests that drive the US Senate on both sides of the aisle.
13
As long as it keeps the big donors happy I doubt that McConnell or anyone else regretted the process or the results. What they should regret is how it affects the country, revenues, and a few other things. If companies feel that it's too much to pay taxes that keep our infrastructure in good shape, that support our educational system, that help with basic research into diseases, natural phenomena, and ways to improve our lives, the environment, etc., perhaps they should be reminded that the country they are ruining is one that has supported them for decades. It's also one that has given them the freedom to hire and fire at will, not provide pensions, and treat employees like dirt. Do they really want to destroy the goose that lays their eggs for them? On the other hand, maybe they should and maybe then the public would see exactly what these companies and their CEOs are made of: greed.
14
So, Mississippi gets to build a new $640 million cutter the Coast Guard says it does not need and the Navy gets a $1.0 billion destroyer it did not ask for in return for two key Republican Senate votes (Cochran and Collins). The only difference between these "gimmes" and the tax credit loopholes is that one is booked as an expense and the other is not booked at all. The next time Republicans decry "waste and fraud" as the reason why taxes are do high, ask them to eat their own cooking.
36
This is a perfect example of the kind of thing that feeds the anger of those who support the likes of Donald Trump. Without radical campaign finance reform we can expect more of the same: American corporations that exploit the system and recklessly destroy our nation's long-term financial health for the sake of their own short term interests.
134
You do understand that Donald Trump has utilized and supported every tax ploy available in order to make a fortune in real estate speculation, I hope.
2
Well said, Ms. Prendergrast! This disgusts everyone outside the Beltway. But I can't see any path to the campaign finance reform we so desperately need, especially since corporate sponsorship was sanctioned by the Supreme Court.
2
Don't people see how stupid it is to think Donal Trump will help the "little people"? He is the perfect example of the tax-dodging, economic development money to build his monuments to himself, bankruptcy thieves in the top 1% global financial elite. I swear people are going from dumb to dumber when they cheer for him.
2
Harry Reid, poster boy that exemplifies the truism that in the end there is not
"a dimes worth of difference" between the Democratic and Republican Parties.
"a dimes worth of difference" between the Democratic and Republican Parties.
6
Senator Reed, the guy from the great state that gave us legalized prostitution and gambling, goes to bat for the gaming business, those paragons of civic virtue. I hope the NY Times will remember this the next time they start to write another editorial on how the Republican Party is the lackey for business interests. Reed and the Democratic Party prove once again that they will give you all the government money can buy. Just ask the public and municipal employees unions how well it can work.
6
This is what is exactly WRONG with Democracy. Sin City should be taxed. This guy is never going to Nevada ever again. I am a democrat, and frankly I am happy that Harry Reid is retiring.
11
Try to take away the deduction for interest on a mortgage and see how people react. Same thing.
2
Jeff:
Excellent point.
Mortgage interest deductions cost the U.S. about $70 billion per year in lost revenue. This dwarfs the numbers mentioned in this article.
But make no mistake, they'll never be eliminated. The biggest beneficiaries, property owners in high cost East- and West Coast metropolitan areas, will be at the front lines to keep their cherished mortgage deduction - not to mention their write off of state/local/property tax.
Hypocrites all.
Excellent point.
Mortgage interest deductions cost the U.S. about $70 billion per year in lost revenue. This dwarfs the numbers mentioned in this article.
But make no mistake, they'll never be eliminated. The biggest beneficiaries, property owners in high cost East- and West Coast metropolitan areas, will be at the front lines to keep their cherished mortgage deduction - not to mention their write off of state/local/property tax.
Hypocrites all.
Looking out for the people that bribed, oops" donated" to their campaigns.
12
There are two major issues here. The first is that no one can read a 2,000 page bill. There needs to be a human-sized limit on the length of legislation so that lawmakers can reasonably be expected to know what is in the bills, and held accountable if they don't. The second is that there is apparently nothing that money cannot buy, at least in Washington. The entire lobbying and special interest machine has probably become too large to do anything about, but that is exactly why the American public despises most of our elected officials.
138
Precisely. Politicians, with few exceptions, are sludge
1
I think this article should cause everything to pause and think about what they want from their local representative. On the one hand, we want them to "fight" for our district/state when money is doled out and on the other hand, we want them to be careful guardians of our tax dollars and not be wasteful. So, when your representative brings a $1B in business for your local employer even though the $1B venture has little benefit to America as a whole, how do you vote? I don't have the answer, but I think this is a fair question that we all need to asking ourselves.
1
I wish news agencies provided this information for every piece of legislation that passed. As the middle class gets strained, the "job creators" keep getting more and more. I'm looking forward 2016 when R's claim there's no money for social security or medicare. Politicians are just wasting good taxpayer money on military projects that aren't necessary. I'm still waiting to see how this $1.15 T budget helps the middle class, but I won't hold my breath. I'm sure they provided a few crumbs somewhere to keep the masses from revolting.
25
The stench of political "contributions" comes right off the page. When did bribes become re-cast as "contributions?" Where's George Orwell when we need him?
As long as we're asking rhetorical questions, why does Harry Reid call himself a Democrat? Member of the Marionette Party would be more accurate.
As long as we're asking rhetorical questions, why does Harry Reid call himself a Democrat? Member of the Marionette Party would be more accurate.
20
Stop the theft. Crooks - all. They are taking our hard earned taxes and put the cash in their own pockets.
5
My Christmas wish- that every citizen would read this and stop going to casinos and their hotels.
5
And now you know why Trump is far ahead in the polls. Too bad the democrats don't offer an equally establishment dismissive character for their side. At least now maybe some on the Left will admit Reid is no hero. And those on the Right can remove some of the shine off Collins. Voters 0, Grave Diggers $1.086 billion.
4
Another eye opening article of how corporations have taken over Washington. Our representatives are supposed to have the best interest of the American people in mind, but how can this be the case if legislation is not even read before signing. How can this country provide all the necessary infrastructure that builds a great democracy if an elite group does not feel they need to contribute a fair share and has the power to game the system. This $1 billion dollars will now be paid for by individual taxpayers in cut backs and reduced services.
11
Hiding CISA in the bill like cowards was bad enough. Now, we find out that, not only are they cowards, but they are cynical, corrupt pigs, as well. Every Senator and Representative who voted for this should be run out of office. This is precisely why we need Bernie Sanders as President. Clinton would let this kind of disgusting corruption go on.
11
All the bragging fanfare about bi-partisan spending bill passing. Now we get a peek behind the curtain. No wonder this bill had such (relatively) strong bi-partisan support. Greed on both sides of the aisle won out.
Please don't push us into Tea Party arms.
Please don't push us into Tea Party arms.
7
What a few million can do to save billions. There needs to be a major overhaul of how our system works. Shame on you Congress!
7
The middle class is subsidizing: the casino/hotel industry, the cruise industry whose effective a rate is 1%, Big Pharma and Big IT with its patents sitting in Bermuda shell companies, trust fund babies, etc.
And Congress instead of giving the Coast Guard a cutter they don't want, please give the VA money they desperately need.
The Government has been privatized by Big Money. We no longer have a democratic republic.
And Congress instead of giving the Coast Guard a cutter they don't want, please give the VA money they desperately need.
The Government has been privatized by Big Money. We no longer have a democratic republic.
22
Well, you do not think all that campaign finance cash donated to the politicians by the special interest groups and their lobbyists is out of the goodness of their heart do you?
6
The biggest difference seems to be this; It used to be that corporations and politicians tried to hide this type of thing out of shame or bad appearance. Now they just do it out in the open, and when somebody calls them on it, they just say 'no, that's not what we're doing". And that's the end of it. Nobody tries to hide all of this dishonesty any more, they throw in your face and insult you more by simply denying that they threw it in your face. This is like somebody stealing your car and saying, "this is my car, it's not your car". They drive away with it, and suddenly....it really is their car.
9
Apparently we do need a political revolution to take back our government.
25
Unless you've forgotten where Las Vegas is located, you shouldn't be shocked, shocked that Harry Reid would sign on to this.
4
This is the kind of incestuous trading of public interest to the privileged class that is destroying the democracy. Sadly, we elect happy polishers of the Golden Goose.
12
Just keep repeating this mantra: The 2016 election is about the FEAR of terrorism, the 2016 election is about the FEAR of terrorism. the 2016 election is about the FEAR of terrorism . . . .
3
If the Washington bureau of the Times is worth its salt, it should have known about this lobbying campaign weeks in advance. If it didn't know, why didn't it? And if it DID know, why wasn't this story the Times now regards as worthy of a headline reported well before the vote -- when it might have done some good?
7
Spending that wasn't asked for and is not needed by the recipients and more cutting of revenue that favors the top 1%. More proof that Republicans can't govern.
So Sen. Collins wants a ship built in her state - fine and understandable. What's not fine and understandable is that other Senators supported something that the defense department doesn't need and doesn't want.
So it appears the Republicans just spend, while at least the Democrats understand that revenue is necessary before spending takes place.
What services that people actually need were cut? Clearly there must have been cuts. Why aren't we hearing about them?
So Sen. Collins wants a ship built in her state - fine and understandable. What's not fine and understandable is that other Senators supported something that the defense department doesn't need and doesn't want.
So it appears the Republicans just spend, while at least the Democrats understand that revenue is necessary before spending takes place.
What services that people actually need were cut? Clearly there must have been cuts. Why aren't we hearing about them?
1
Did you even read the article? Do you think Harry Reid is a Republican?
1
Rep Brady said, "We just weren't interested ... in disrupting transactions, mid transaction."
Let's be clear. The real estate transactions could have still gone forward before the 54 word rewrite. The owners would just have had to pay the legitimate capital gains tax on the sale.
We do need single spending bills for each department debated in the light of day for democracy to work. As it is we are becoming a democracy in name only.
Let's be clear. The real estate transactions could have still gone forward before the 54 word rewrite. The owners would just have had to pay the legitimate capital gains tax on the sale.
We do need single spending bills for each department debated in the light of day for democracy to work. As it is we are becoming a democracy in name only.
6
The predictable fact that Harry Reid let this happen is yet another warning: never trust a mainstream democrat to change the habitual corruption of US democracy by the moneyed elite. Not going to happen.
Bernie Sanders has the guts, insight, and the campaign finance strategy for a frontal assault on this grotesque rigged game.
Bernie Sanders has the guts, insight, and the campaign finance strategy for a frontal assault on this grotesque rigged game.
13
Well Gee typical corruption that is enabled by "omnibus" type bills. Now what you think is a loophole is just a simple thing. Are we going to prevent all trusts for everyone? If so that is OK, if we are just going to limit them from these businesses that is not OK. We need tax reform that is revenue neutral for individuals and somewhat for corporations. In fact it might be good to eliminate the corporate income tax entirely and tax dividends and capital gains at regular rates.
While the press presents its never ending comic strip quoting bogus rhetoric the real action takes place under its nose and this is what we get.
5
This is precisely what happens with these hideous 2,000+ page omnibus spending bills that get passed at the eleventh hour....NOBODY READS THEM! There are tons of other little goodies buried in this monstrosity, all of which will increase the deficit and the national debt. The budget process is completely broken and we are all going to pay a high price for it.
105
A 2000+ page omnibus that nobody can read is a feature, not a bug. The budget process is working perfectly well for the lobbyists and politicians who profit from the system.
"Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, said he regretted the way Congress had handled the appropriations process — with ships and planes that the Obama administration did not ask for getting thrown in — although he perhaps more than just about anyone else in Washington determines how it is done."
"Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, said he regretted the way Congress had handled the appropriations process — with ships and planes that the Obama administration did not ask for getting thrown in — although he perhaps more than just about anyone else in Washington determines how it is done."
Russ Feingold of Wisconsin - who BTW is running for his old Senate seat - said he was the only one who read the whole "Patriot Act" .
Although the lobby business is certainly a pest, the article shows very little understanding of tax policy in general and the taxonomic ramifications of the cited casino bill. The objective of the REIT bill was to accomplish tax free diversification of real estate in separate holdings. It is not so that 1 bil. tax revenue suddenly disappeared. Without the bill, the transactions would never happen, since the owner corporations would never have separated from their real estate , if they had to pay 1 billion in taxes. So that number is just funny money. Now, of course, the future divestment of the REITS which are created in these transactions might result in capital gains which are taxed at shareholder level at lower rates. But let's see now, who are the bad shareholders ? The majority owners of hedgefunds are actually "institutional" investors, that's is, tax exempt pension funds and life insurance companies, and guess for whom they are investing? Do you think you can finance today pension payouts by investing in US treasuries ? So when you look at the complete picture, the lines are blurring. But bashing perceived tax dodgers is of course easier.
1
Santa Claus arrives sooner for some... As they pay his way in...
Time to upend the career politician. We need ordinary citizens who aren't afraid to vote for the good of We the People and perhaps only get or need one term in office.
I know it is a pipe dream but I'd love to see President Obama veto the bill sending it back to Congress with a list of suggested "special provisions" to delete that cost us billions in favors to big donors and their lobbyists. Our infrastructure crumbles before our eyes while Las Vegas casinos glisten. If government is shut down because of corrupt politicians and corrupt donors maybe people will pay attention.
8
This article makes it sound like there is something wrong with interested political groups having an influence on legislation. Isn't this at least part of what we mean when we talk about representative government? If you're not part of a political group trying to influence your representatives then don't blame others who are exercising their rights as American citizens to do so.
But the next time the SNAP needs that billion to feed children, or the VA needs two new hospitals, or an interstate highway needs a new bridge, or funds are needed to buy and preserve park land, and so on...! -- guess what?!
1
What a surprise, money goes missing, and without destroying a building. What a joke this country has become. How long the laughter?
Government for sale.
4
Lobbyists "swooped in"? "Slithered in" would be more apt.
5
Now, how'd that happen?
I don't recall voting for any "hospitality and gambling interests".
Go, Bernie!
I don't recall voting for any "hospitality and gambling interests".
Go, Bernie!
66
Never happen!!!
How did it happen? Pretty much the way that the federal govenment's (and taxpayers') already $18.8 trillion debt happened, i.e., fiscal corruption, incompetence and irresponsibilituy.
1
....and if you think Bernie Sanders is that "transformative" savior of American politics may I suggest you review his voting record on gun control....not much of a "savior" for the tens of thousands individuals a year who die needlessly from anemic gun control laws which Bernie Sanders enthusiastically supported throughout his legislative career.
There is a saying, "pigs get fat; hogs get slaughtered" - I am waiting for this to play out in our government, but it appears it is immune to the butcher's knife.
8
So disappointing, Harry Reid. Glad you're on your way out the door. You shame us all.
60
his successor will be no different.
It doesn't matter if if Harry Reid is on his way out; he made sure his "retirement" is a cushy one. His ouster only means there is another opportunist waiting in the wings, VOTED for by Americans.
Isn't it amazing how many public employees can be bought off at one time. This is not the first time lobbyists have been allowed to add their own verbiage into a bill, but I am surprised since all the GOP candidates running for Prez are all morally, gratuitously, above this fray....at least they would say they are. Liars! Only one candidate could benefit this bill and that is Trump. I wonder how he reacts towards it.
It's feeding time for the Pigs and they are bellying up to the trough.. Hypocrites, every single one of them.
It's feeding time for the Pigs and they are bellying up to the trough.. Hypocrites, every single one of them.
13
The best government lobbyists can buy, that's American exceptionalism! And that's both parties.
McConnell "regretted the way Congress handled the appropriations process" and it " would be wrong to presume his (Bonderman's) contributions to Mr. Reid had played any role in the help his companies received."
PLEASE!!!!!!!
I need a shower after just reading about this crap. KA
McConnell "regretted the way Congress handled the appropriations process" and it " would be wrong to presume his (Bonderman's) contributions to Mr. Reid had played any role in the help his companies received."
PLEASE!!!!!!!
I need a shower after just reading about this crap. KA
19
People can vary widely in their intellectual ability, in their willingness to work hard, in their willingness to take risks, in their choices to pursue careers that may be more practical instead of personal. But none of these variables, in any combination, nor all of them multiplied together, can explain the thousand-fold difference in wealth between the upper 0.1 percent and everyone else. For that difference, the only relelevant variable is one's capacity to cheat. Essentially, it is the variable of criminality-- though the cheaters would quickly assert that what they are doing is "perfectly legal." As in, not illegal.
And that, friends, is the nub of the problem.
That is exactly what our legal system does-- empower the cheaters.
And that, friends, is the nub of the problem.
That is exactly what our legal system does-- empower the cheaters.
77
"Both Ms. Orthman and the spokesman for Mr. Bonderman said it would be wrong to presume his contributions to Mr. Reid had played any role in the help his companies received."
Ha Ha Ha Ha! Yeah right! Why do politicians keep saying this when it obvious to every voter that it is a blatant lie? Do they think anyone believes this? Why have they not been indicted? As if these big companies really needed tax breaks like this. And of course, our politicians keep giving them these benefits despite the outcry from taxpayers. May Donald Trump rain on your parade.
Ha Ha Ha Ha! Yeah right! Why do politicians keep saying this when it obvious to every voter that it is a blatant lie? Do they think anyone believes this? Why have they not been indicted? As if these big companies really needed tax breaks like this. And of course, our politicians keep giving them these benefits despite the outcry from taxpayers. May Donald Trump rain on your parade.
10
It would be wrong to assume... OK, then we'll call this pattern of voting for our donors' pet causes "evidence."
But is the sausage any good
With enough sugar and salt, any sausage can taste good. However is it good for you?
If anyone has any doubts that our Congress, yes our entire government isn't malignant with corruption they should take time to examine all of the bribes and graft in this disgusting omnibus funding bill. It reeks of corruption. Ours is becoming the worst government money can buy.
23
Becoming? ... I think we're there when it comes to Congress.
7
As Leona Helmsley said it in an unguarded moment: "Only the little people pay taxes"
91
Leona went to Jail.
1
Really?? You are a "little people"? And I bet they do pay taxes, just not as much as some might insist is "fair".
Lobbyist don't just swoop in to the Congressional and Senate offices, they schedule appointments and get scheduled appointments from representatives that agree to meet with them.
Then through the magic of words that only lobbyist know how to use apparently, they get special considerations from tax loopholes to building billion dollar war toys.
It's not the electorate's fault., Oh we can vote out a member here and there, but that doesn't change the political and governing culture. New boss same as the old boss.
This is the failure of our government. These big omnibus bills invite back room deals, lack of transparency and tightens the grip of our oligarchs on our government.
Democrats and republicans wait for these moments to get what they need done expediently for their home states or special interests.
I just wish once the lobbyist swooped in and slipped some language into one of these bills, that our leaders don't read that benefited the majority of our 316 million citizens
Then through the magic of words that only lobbyist know how to use apparently, they get special considerations from tax loopholes to building billion dollar war toys.
It's not the electorate's fault., Oh we can vote out a member here and there, but that doesn't change the political and governing culture. New boss same as the old boss.
This is the failure of our government. These big omnibus bills invite back room deals, lack of transparency and tightens the grip of our oligarchs on our government.
Democrats and republicans wait for these moments to get what they need done expediently for their home states or special interests.
I just wish once the lobbyist swooped in and slipped some language into one of these bills, that our leaders don't read that benefited the majority of our 316 million citizens
23
Unfortunately, the campaign finance structure and the money paid out to politicians for influence, much like you describe, has been now pretty much entrenched by the politicians themselves. In a recent documentary when confronted, the excuse is always now, that because the competition is doing it I have to do it too. Money buys an audience and ultimately influence on legislation, Joe Average has no chance. The U.S. is NOT a democracy and has not been for some time and anyone who thinks it is, is living in a fools paradise.
2
Odd, whenever the tax code changes at my level, I lose a deduction or find my income is imputed to be 60% of my gross....hmmm.
12
Please remember to vote....the current crop of elected officials are selling the country down the river.....
8
Yes, but anyone who believes that the next crop of "elected officials" will behave any differently is living in fantasy. The history of America's government is a history rich in corruption, much of it "legal" like this incident. So vote for the prettiest, loudest, smartest, or whateverest candidate you like. Grease lubes them all.
1
Yes vote Republican, not progressives that do such things.
This is how sausages are made.
6
A major factor behind the rise of Daesh/ISIL has been longstanding corruption among Middle East leaders and governments. Thus, looking at the leadership on Capitol Hill and elsewhere in Washington there is no wonder why Americans are upset with the way business is being done. Money rules, and while the Congress has "constituent" interests in mind, there is a greater duty to serve as stewards of the nation as a whole. Enough said.
17
There it is called corruption here it is called constituent interest...
1
There is only one candidate from either party who has pledged to do whatever it takes to rein in this plutocratic corruption of our democracy....and it's not The Anointed One. If we continue to insist on voting for the lesser of evils, we will continue to get evil and nothing will change.
58
it makes me chuckle when I see people state that money does not necessarily always buy politicians. If they do not get them one way, they get them another, this is just another perfect example.
1
Why wasn't that Senator more effective at getting opposition to this bill if he is the respected leader he claims to be? Was voting against this worth the risk of not funding planned parenthood, because he voted against that as well.
Seriously, how can anyone be condemned for "cheating" on their taxes when they see this type of thing going on?
238
Wow. There is a big difference between "cheating" on your taxes, and taking advantage of legal tax rules.
A senator from Nevada in senior leadership. What is wrong with this picture? The parties need to be a bit more judicious in their choices. This makes the Democrats look very bad -- at least as bad as the Republicans -- at exactly the wrong time. Thanks Harry! Enjoy your retirement!
17
We have the best govt money can buy it is a truly sad sight.
9
We are no longer a republic we are plutocracy wake up folks.
13
Money influencing American politics! I am shocked!!!!
9
throw out the connected corporate lobbyists and clean the halls up. The whole scene has become the Theater of The Absurd'
Vote out the clowns who have a private Mr. Green visit them on a regular basis.
Let them make money the old-fashion way.
EARN IT.
PS: The Supreme Court is part of the problems in this country, not solutions.
Vote out the clowns who have a private Mr. Green visit them on a regular basis.
Let them make money the old-fashion way.
EARN IT.
PS: The Supreme Court is part of the problems in this country, not solutions.
11
America, don't be distracted by the National Christmas Tree located in the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House --- that's just for show and to entertain the masses.
The real National Christmas Tree is the Internal Revenue Code, 72,000 pages of obscure, ornamental decorations and golden, silver tinsel specifically designed by and for the rich to accelerate and celebrate their obscene wealth.
Congress has carefully hidden away these annual Christmas gifts of corporate and 0.1% welfare because it knows Americans don't read very well nor do they like math.
Remember the Gilded Age ?
It's back and it's thriving as it snuggles around a warm Christmas fire and the Congressional IRS Christmas tree of endless tax-cut-and-evasion welfare for the richest people in the land.
Merry Dickensian Christmas to one and all -- now get back to work and continue lining our golden pockets with your slave labor !
The real National Christmas Tree is the Internal Revenue Code, 72,000 pages of obscure, ornamental decorations and golden, silver tinsel specifically designed by and for the rich to accelerate and celebrate their obscene wealth.
Congress has carefully hidden away these annual Christmas gifts of corporate and 0.1% welfare because it knows Americans don't read very well nor do they like math.
Remember the Gilded Age ?
It's back and it's thriving as it snuggles around a warm Christmas fire and the Congressional IRS Christmas tree of endless tax-cut-and-evasion welfare for the richest people in the land.
Merry Dickensian Christmas to one and all -- now get back to work and continue lining our golden pockets with your slave labor !
250
This indentured servant appreciates your insight.
3
Example of both political parties, and their officials, are in it for the money and are controlled by the oligarchy This is #1 billion of a $500 billion+ set of tax breaks. Meanwhile, more and more companies incorporate overseas, while the 1% also continue to send money out of the country to avoid taxes. While all this continues, more workers are being replaced by off shore employees, or Via holders, as their wages continue to stagnate.
What is bad about all of this, the gray train will continue. Next year, who ever gets "elected" president, or into political office, will continue this gray train. Business as usual in the White House, Congress, the Governor's Mansion and the state legislatures.
The United States is about to surpass the Ancient Roman Republic in terms of corruption.
What is bad about all of this, the gray train will continue. Next year, who ever gets "elected" president, or into political office, will continue this gray train. Business as usual in the White House, Congress, the Governor's Mansion and the state legislatures.
The United States is about to surpass the Ancient Roman Republic in terms of corruption.
21
Ban PACs, toss the scumbag lobbyists in the clink and maybe consider sanctioning their mentors: former Sen Richard Lugar apparently taught his son well! All hogs at the trough.
78
I am shocked, how republican of Harry!
27
All that is old is new again. Corruption continues to be the du jour practice in America. How long before we have another meltdown due to these practices, and average citizens bail out the fat cats again.
Citizens United is showing it's teeth.
Citizens United is showing it's teeth.
34
The gross $1.06 billion return on this leasing the Congress deal must greatly exceed the upfront costs of the lobbyists and political contributions.
7
Haven't read a contact it? Don't sign it. Haven't read a bill? Don't vote for it!
Yes, it's long but the nyt found the time to read and analyze it. You also have large budgets and staffs. I have no sympathy if going on tirades about and planning special investigations of refugees/ Planned Parenthood/ Benghazi is not leaving you sufficient time for doing your actual job.
Yes, it's long but the nyt found the time to read and analyze it. You also have large budgets and staffs. I have no sympathy if going on tirades about and planning special investigations of refugees/ Planned Parenthood/ Benghazi is not leaving you sufficient time for doing your actual job.
49
Not reading it is just an excuse for not pushing back against everything the lobbyists want.
1
The headline should "Harry Reid again comes to the aid of casinos...."
38
None dare call it democracy.
13
It is called cleptocracy.
4
Reminds me of the song from "Fiddler on the Roof": "If I were a Rich Man"!
3
And we wonder why non-establishment candidates are attracting attention!
248
Yeah, except that Trump probably stands to benefit from this as much as anybody.
2
Unfortunately, considering the amount of money non-establishment candidates require to make some headway in the process, ultimately, the elitists will make sure that does not happen.
I'm sorry, and exactly WHO do you think is a "non-establishment candidate"??
There are 2 brands: those totally on the make and those hoping to be soon on the make.
There are 2 brands: those totally on the make and those hoping to be soon on the make.
3
It's good to see pork barrel politics is alive and well in Washington. We were led to believe that it was dead.
I just got back from a convention in Las Vegas. It sure didn't look like the casinos needed any help, but hey, what do I know. I'm sure the middle class taxpayers won't mind chipping in a little more taxes to help them out. I think next time one of my organizations that I'm involved with wants to have a convention, I'll suggest somewhere other than Las Vegas
I just got back from a convention in Las Vegas. It sure didn't look like the casinos needed any help, but hey, what do I know. I'm sure the middle class taxpayers won't mind chipping in a little more taxes to help them out. I think next time one of my organizations that I'm involved with wants to have a convention, I'll suggest somewhere other than Las Vegas
14
Make this article the core document and required reading in each and every political science course being taught at the high school or college level. It's the way government really works.
11
This shows that Democrats too have ties to big business and Wall St. That a bill of this magnitude could be voted on without being properly vetted is wrong. Nothing changes regardless of the party in power. Obama promised us this would stop. In seven years under his administration he has become a willing accomplice, as proven by his signing into law a mammoth bill which should have been vetoed.
14
What is Ryan's role in this? Ryan should be pushing for a line item veto.
Yeah, right.
Yeah, right.
1
This article gives several example of lobbyist and companies using Congress to get what they want. President Eisenhower gave speech warning of military industrial complex. Now it is controlling Congress buying a cutter and destroyer that the Navy had not asked, when an ice breaker is severely needed. Then you have an extension of tax change that the house committee wanted to stop and lobbyist put back in the bill. We need to consider high taxing lobbyists. and a way to break the grips of the military industrial complex.
13
Business as usual. So sad
9
Greed and self-service win again.
18
How are these things allowed in when the bill is purportedly already on the president's desk? And I think articles like this would be even more interesting (and upsetting) if there were charts accompanying them showing how much money went into the pocket of each individual congressional "leader" who forced in loopholes like these and the others already reported on....
22
That individual Representatives and Senators continue to personally insert in budget-busting earmarks for items our very own Defense leaders say are not needed is absolutely reprehensible.
37
If this is any clue that both sides of the aisle are bought and paid for by the lobbyists then I dont know what it is. We need to clean house from the bottom to the top and we need to do it fast. It is like the old saying greed and corruption is always the end of any nation.
70
We can't clean house unless the American people start using a broom and cleaning out the halls of congress by using the vote. The irony (stupidity?) is these venal men and women are voted in by the American people.
Stop clucking. The American people have spoken. This is what we want, the lobbyists to rule.
Stop clucking. The American people have spoken. This is what we want, the lobbyists to rule.
You could clean house, and the next occupants would still be forced to listen to those who paid for their campaigns.
OTOH if you could clean out the Supreme Court and replace them with people who understand that unlimited money and free speech are not the same thing, we would have a chance.
OTOH if you could clean out the Supreme Court and replace them with people who understand that unlimited money and free speech are not the same thing, we would have a chance.
A really good story on the ways of Washington! This illustrates how ridiculous it is to claim that unions and other interests groups that represent "regular" people have an equal voice in Washington. They do not! For the simple reasons that they can't generate the kinds of profit that then find their way back into the pols' pockets.
99
Senator McConnell acts as if the Omnibus spending bill is completely outside his control - and yet he is the Majority leader. McConnell and Rep. Paul Ryan, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, are largely responsible for the current state of budgetary affairs, having been the leaders of the Republican Party, in control of both the House and the Senate for the past 8 years.
164
That's really funny. When the democrats had both the house and senate the republicans were stopping them from doing anything. Now the republicans have the house and senate and they're stopping everything still. They must be awfully good. I'll have to vote for a republican president. Seems somewhere in this article it was Harry Reid that protected Vegas but of course I must have imagined that one.
1
Either your math is fuzzy or your memory. Democrats lost the house in the 2010 midterms. Democrats lost the senate in the 2014 midterms. It's only been one year that Republicans have controlled both houses. But why murky up the waters with facts when everyone knows Republicans are the root of all evil.
Excuse me... The Senate has been locked up by the Democrats for years. It was only the last midterm election that swung the Party to the GOP. Senate leader Reid kept a tight fist on the bills before the chamber, assuring that Pres Obama wouldn't have to veto anything. This helped to reenforce a very advesarial climate. When did the House go to the GOP? 2012.
Incomplete title, Lipton and Moyer.
It should be:
Congressmen Paid by Hospitality and Gambling Interests Delay Closing of Billion-Dollar Tax Loophole
It should be:
Congressmen Paid by Hospitality and Gambling Interests Delay Closing of Billion-Dollar Tax Loophole
8
A tax break is really a tax shift. It either adds to the deficit, which shifts the bill to future taxpayers, or it adds to everyone else's bill. I'm really tired of having to subsidize industries I don't support. Enough, already.
9
Ah yes the bipartisan season of Christmas tree ornaments costing the public billions and billions. Well done, once again!
6
And this is why, even though I am a registered Democrat, I rarely donate to campaigns and never donate to the DNC. They all make is clear over and over again that they don't need my money. Why would I contribute to something that's already bought and paid for?
15
Please, President Obama, do not sign this bill!!!!!
6
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha . . . . cough . . . . sputter . . . . .
These articles always seem to imply a Congress that is defenseless against the onslaught of special interest lobbyists. When the reality is that most people in Congress relish this power over others . *They* are the ones who can dispense largesse to their friends & punish their enemies. That's why they are there.
The problem is a federal government that has too much discretionary power over others. Not too little. If one can spend millions to get billions, you'd be foolish not to.
Instead on constantly complaining about money in politics, let's get politics out of money.
The problem is a federal government that has too much discretionary power over others. Not too little. If one can spend millions to get billions, you'd be foolish not to.
Instead on constantly complaining about money in politics, let's get politics out of money.
6
Both Democrats and Republicans lose public support for Congress when these types of tax actions are taken that benefit no one other than a few wealthy investors. Congress should not wonder why they have no credibility with the public. Taking money from lobbyists is nothing more than legal bribery no matter how you look at it. If Congress wishes to gain the trust of the American people they must pass strong election funding reform and stop taking money from wealthy individuals and corporations. Until they do that they will never gain the trust of the public.
9
Another day, more proof that the financial class has bought and paid for American democracy. Business as usual.
9
This is simply one more example of what is always true the worst corruption in any society is institutional corruption which is by definition "legal." If we ever had a fair an logical government actions like these would lead to a long list of criminal indictments. Instead everyone involved gets rewarded for screwing the American people out of $1 Billion in in tax revenues that would have funded some of the needs of the rest of us who are not rich and powerful.
8
Merry Christmas to Nevada, Maine and Mississippi. This age old tradition of bringing home the pork is what keeps so many Congressmen safely cemented in their districts or states. Senator Reid is on his way out so he must feel he owes the casino/hotel industry for the millions they have donated to him through the years.
6
Once again a case of billionaires, like Trump, are getting tax breaks the middle class could only dream of. It's not bad enough that this whole spend/tax bill is a rape of the American people, but they have to insult us with this rip off on top of it all.
Las Vages is the most useless, good for nothing city in the whole country. They produce nothing, but consume huge amounts of electricity and water. Yet, here they are being represented by the most powerful Democrat senator.
Shame on you Harry Reid, and all that voted for this great rip off.
Las Vages is the most useless, good for nothing city in the whole country. They produce nothing, but consume huge amounts of electricity and water. Yet, here they are being represented by the most powerful Democrat senator.
Shame on you Harry Reid, and all that voted for this great rip off.
7
This story has shaken my faith in American government more than I could have expected. Every paragraph teems with proof that we do not live in a true democracy and that our elected officials are not minding the store. This article should form the basis for all questions at any future presidential debates, and candidates should be compelled to state specifically how they would stop this type of back-door palm-greasing. I am ashamed of the U.S. government and its political "leaders."
10
Since the legislative process is often compared to making sausage, maybe we should place that agency in charge of Congress. Any factory making sausage from rotted meat should be closed temporarily for wholesale cleaning and placed under new management.
3
"That agency" refers, of course, to the FDA, but an agency specializing in sausage making would be more appropriate.
Here is a clear example of how moneyed interest buy legislation that they want.
How many other "special" phrases and clauses were added to the huge tax and spending bill, so that each legislator could have a piece of pork to feed to the moneyed interests, which had funded his or her election campaign?
How many other "special" phrases and clauses were added to the huge tax and spending bill, so that each legislator could have a piece of pork to feed to the moneyed interests, which had funded his or her election campaign?
5
The 1% that Democrats rail against are the source of all evil in this country, through their greed - EXCEPT when they are constituents! Thanks for all you do Harry!
3
Isn't this exactly the kind of behavior the anti-establishment Republican candidates object to -- with great success in wooing support?
Yet, the establishment Congress continues this bad behavior, oblivious to its own corruption.
Yet, the establishment Congress continues this bad behavior, oblivious to its own corruption.
5
TOTALLY DISGUSTING. This is why we need Bernie Sanders as POTUS!
8
The way to get democracy out the window and invite ...
1
Great article. It will be interesting to see how this all comes together, especially in an election year.
6
Why isn't what the lobbyists did, inserting 54 words to keep a loophole in place, and those who abetted them a criminal act?
16
Because they write the laws?
1
This is some brazen stuff. Lipton and Moyer wrote, "A spokesman for Mr. Bonderman said ... his company was involved in the discussions with congressional staff members." ...."the spokesman for Mr. Bonderman said it would be wrong to presume his contributions to Mr. Reid had played any role in the help his companies received."
Money talks. Quite literally. No money, no talk.
What do you call this form of representative government, one in which the rich are represented over the interests of the people, or even worse, the rich claim to be the representatives of the people? An oligarchy? An aristocracy?
And do the tax-hating Republicans do anything about it? No. They aren't really tax-hating, they are just investors looking to make money. And the Democrats? Same thing.
Too bad Bernie got berned by the DNC. No doubt they've been waiting to spring this one on him for months. Dangle a computer glitch in front of his staffers and wait for a bite.
Our government only pretends to be a democracy. I'll give the Dems one thing. At least their rhetoric is of a higher standard. They pretend to strive for an ideal. The GOP are simply Darwinian/Spencerian, self-interest driven thugs.
Money talks. Quite literally. No money, no talk.
What do you call this form of representative government, one in which the rich are represented over the interests of the people, or even worse, the rich claim to be the representatives of the people? An oligarchy? An aristocracy?
And do the tax-hating Republicans do anything about it? No. They aren't really tax-hating, they are just investors looking to make money. And the Democrats? Same thing.
Too bad Bernie got berned by the DNC. No doubt they've been waiting to spring this one on him for months. Dangle a computer glitch in front of his staffers and wait for a bite.
Our government only pretends to be a democracy. I'll give the Dems one thing. At least their rhetoric is of a higher standard. They pretend to strive for an ideal. The GOP are simply Darwinian/Spencerian, self-interest driven thugs.
115
But you idiot americans keep voting long term ignorant politicians back into office. wake up, most are corrupt. Trump can't be bought, please help save america!!!
3
Trump can't be bought? Speaking of idiots...
7
Trump owns several casinos, also in Vegas. He will be a prime beneficiary of this corruption.
1
Pity the reporter didn't take time to calculate how this would benefit Trump.
Harry Reid - another lapdog shill for the 1%.
74
Our government is corrupt to the core and then people wonder why a man like Donald Trump is so popular. Two things will solve a lot of these issues........term limits and no more lobbyists which do nothing but bribe politicians.
12
We definitely need term limits for politicians and the Supreme Court. Two terms just like the President.
Can't become a lobbyist until ten years out of office. Penalty for becoming one before the time LOSS OF PENSION AND ALL BENEFITS.
Can't become a lobbyist until ten years out of office. Penalty for becoming one before the time LOSS OF PENSION AND ALL BENEFITS.
3
This is further proof that the Democrats are as beholden to corporate interests as are the Republicans.
237
Corporate democrats = Republican 'lite'.
For real campaign finance reform, vote for Senator Sanders in your primary.
And volunteer for his campaign, since it's people powered, NOT the billionaires.
For real campaign finance reform, vote for Senator Sanders in your primary.
And volunteer for his campaign, since it's people powered, NOT the billionaires.
7
Agreed. Both parties are brought and paid for.
Not *ALL* Democrats!
Senator Bernie Sanders is clearly traveling a different road and deserves all of our support.
Senator Bernie Sanders is clearly traveling a different road and deserves all of our support.
1
There's so many things wrong about this news: huge tax breaks for the very rich, lobbyists freely attaching laws to sure-to-pass bills. When will our government start calling this corruption?
170
Never! They are part of the corruption!
6
We need a tax bill writing system whereunder, after the halfway point of a given session of Congress, any drop in projected revenue from writing such tax bills must be identified to expense lines and programs that are consequently to be cut.
Congress has written laws making this behavior legal. To make sure we can keep our corrupt politicians, the Supreme Court has made it impossible to convict a politician unless there is audio or visual evidence of a politician taking money and stating that they will then vote the way the lobbist wants them to vote. Essentially we are as corrupt as many countries we complain about but we just made the corruption legal!
2
Really there is not a lot to about this, although I applaud the NYT for reporting it. We have the government we deserve.
3
What could possibly be behind Harry Reid's support for keeping this tax loophole for the hotel and gaming industry?
5
No mention on how this helps Donald Trump?
12
Our tax dollars at work. Where is the outrage over this?
20
Shame on Reid, he just does not understand fiscal responsibility.
6
A billion here, a billion there, 21 billion for Darden Corporation, who by the way continuously finds ways to pay employees less and less. When all the monies are slated for CEO's and Shareholders, nothing else matters. Working people are always insecure and struggling and our infrastructure is out dated and crumbling, but by God, those lobbyists pay our representatives to represent them and the corporations and we fall further into the abyss of Oligarchy and despair. Merry Christmas, Rubes. Corporations rejoice!
170
Shame on Harry Reid. As a Senator, he is sent to Washington by his state as one of two people to represent the interests of the total United States. Congressional representatives are elected to represent the people in their district. Unless you have campaign finance reform, the drones going off to D.C. are just empty suits representing the lobbyists and the monied interests that put them there. Instead of electing a bully (DT) or a buffoon (TC) for president, let's put some hardworking representatives of the people in the Congress in 2016.
52
I'm shocked, just shocked. Round up the usual suspects.
26
Does the Supreme Court pay any attention? Their disconnect between money and political corruption is absurd.
131
Yes, thanks to them, we have Citizens United, and other decisions, making the influence of money in Congress even greater, thereby diminishing the influence of the average voter. Who is apparently no longer paying attention. And Washington has long been itching to to eliminate the ordinary citizens' tax deduction for mortgage interest on our homes...... They say we can't "afford" it.
1
The five extremist, corporate-owned justices on the Supreme Court know exactly what is going on, they are just as much part of the problem as Congress.
7
Steve Goldberg. Of course you mean golden connection, not disconnect !