Congress returns to nightmare December

[mystery-ak]

Congress returns to nightmare December
By Jordain Carney - 11/27/17 06:00 AM EST

Lawmakers are bracing for chaos in December as they plunge into several high-stakes legislative fights.

Both chambers are expected to be in session for roughly 15 days before leaving town until January, but the looming battles could push their exit date closer to Christmas.

Republicans want to get a key agenda item, tax reform, to President Trump’s desk by the end of the year.

more
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/361602-congress-returns-to-nightmare-december

[Applewood]

It will be a nightmare because Republicans have to come up with a way to not reform our tax system, yet give Trump some half-ass legislation he and they can sell to the people as tax reform. 

Sometimes it's not all that easy to lie and cheat the constituency.  It takes work -- a four letter word in congress.

[Bigun]

It will be a nightmare because Republicans have to come up with a way to not reform our tax system, yet give Trump some half-ass legislation he and they can sell to the people as tax reform. 

Sometimes it's not all that easy to lie and cheat the constituency.  It takes work -- a four letter word in congress.

Excellent post!  Nailed it! 

[Right_in_Virginia]

Congress Returns to Intense Pressure to End Secrecy Over Sex Harassment
NY Times, Nov 26, 2017, SHERYL GAY STOLBERG and YAMICHE ALCINDOR

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are facing mounting pressure to end Capitol Hill’s culture of secrecy over sexual harassment as they return from a holiday break, with members of both parties calling for Congress to overhaul its handling of misconduct claims and to unmask lawmakers who have paid settlements using taxpayer money.

On Sunday, the roiling debate over sexual harassment cost one lawmaker who has paid such a settlement — Representative John Conyers Jr. of Michigan — his post as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, at least temporarily. Mr. Conyers, the longest-serving member of the House, announced that he was stepping aside as the House Ethics Committee investigates  allegations that he sexually harassed aides.


More: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/26/us/politics/john-conyers-steps-down-judiciary-committee-sexual-harassment.html?_r=0

[Right_in_Virginia]

Donald J. Trump‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump 11m11 minutes ago
 The Tax Cut Bill is coming along very well, great support. With just a few changes, some mathematical, the middle class and job producers can get even more in actual dollars and savings and the pass through provision becomes simpler and really works well!

[Applewood]

Said pretty much the same thing about the first Obamacare "repeal" proposal offered by the House. I don't think he reads these proposals or has any idea what's in them.

[RetBobbyMI]

As long as Congress nibbles crumbs of the edges of the tax code, there is nothing to smile about.  They keep treating it like its part of the budget so not progress will EVER be made.  The ONLY way is a Convention of States to repel the 16th Amendment to take the power of direct taxation away.  It would put the taxing power back with the states, and abolish the IRS as they would have no purpose. The states can chose their own means of taxation.  Imposing taxes on the states would give them for skin in the game and reduce the impulsive sanctuary city business and padding the census numbers as they would get taxed based on those extra people.

[Bigun]

As long as Congress nibbles crumbs of the edges of the tax code, there is nothing to smile about.  They keep treating it like its part of the budget so not progress will EVER be made.  The ONLY way is a Convention of States to repel the 16th Amendment to take the power of direct taxation away.  It would put the taxing power back with the states, and abolish the IRS as they would have no purpose. The states can chose their own means of taxation.  Imposing taxes on the states would give them for skin in the game and reduce the impulsive sanctuary city business and padding the census numbers as they would get taxed based on those extra people.

Or simply pass the Fairtax bill currently languishing in the W&M Committee!

http://fairtax.org

[RoosGirl]

Said pretty much the same thing about the first Obamacare "repeal" proposal offered by the House. I don't think he reads these proposals or has any idea what's in them.

Oh come now, Donald wouldn't Tweet something this important if it weren't true.

[RetBobbyMI]

Or simply pass the Fairtax bill currently languishing in the W&M Committee!

http://fairtax.org

Languishing is the key word.  Don't trust Congress to do anything "fair" when it come to taxes.  As long as they insist any change in tax revenue (especial reductions) must be PAID for, there is no incentive to do anything.

[Fantom]

Or simply pass the Fairtax bill currently languishing in the W&M Committee!

http://fairtax.org

Not this time around , my friend. It needs more time... cancer will remove some of the cancer in the Senate, and then ..maybe in 2018. Hope doth spring eternal ..Eh?

I'll take the tax plan as written now. Two items. One: that the corporate tax is 20% immediately. Two: that the obamacare mandate is repealed.. You like your obamacare.. you can keep your obamacare... leave the rest of us alone


Likewise I relish the thought of the regressive/left/dems shutting down the government for illegals/daca. Make it a clean funding bill or nothing.

Remember obama spending millions to "shut" down open air memorials like Mount Rushmore...lol. Imagine a President Trump turning off all obamaphones.... better yet direcing the one place they can call ..their representative..... We are sorry, your representative has shut down your phone, you will be redirected to his direct phone number.

[Bigun]

Languishing is the key word.  Don't trust Congress to do anything "fair" when it come to taxes.  As long as they insist any change in tax revenue (especial reductions) must be PAID for, there is no incentive to do anything.

The govenment of a FREE people has absolutely no business having a tool like the IRS at their disposal and, IMHO, WE should be marching in the streets of Washington demanding the end of it!

[RetBobbyMI]

The govenment of a FREE people has absolutely no business having a tool like the IRS at their disposal and, IMHO, WE should be marching in the streets of Washington demanding the end of it!

As long as there is direct taxes on individuals and corporations, the IRS bureaucracy will remain...unfortunately. Do away with direct taxes and they have no reason to exist.  The FairTax doesn't solve that problem.

[Bigun]

As long as there is direct taxes on individuals and corporations, the IRS bureaucracy will remain...unfortunately. Do away with direct taxes and they have no reason to exist.  The FairTax doesn't solve that problem.

Like hell it doesn't!  The fairtax would return us to the EXACT form of taxation universally endorsed by the founders!  Taxes on articles of consumption only!

[Fantom]

As long as there is direct taxes on individuals and corporations, the IRS bureaucracy will remain...unfortunately. Do away with direct taxes and they have no reason to exist.  The FairTax doesn't solve that problem.

True, I prefer a sales tax...not vat tax. And use taxes/fees.... like the fuel tax for road infrastructure. But the "Fair" tax is a major step in the right direction. Along with that .....a Constitutional amendment limiting federal spending to 10% GDP, with military spending 60% of that.... would go a long way to reigning in the Beast.

[RetBobbyMI]

Like hell it doesn't!  The fairtax would return us to the EXACT form of taxation universally endorsed by the founders!  Taxes on articles of consumption only!

I differ in your interpretation.  Article I Section 2 originally stated: "...direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons."

[RetBobbyMI]

True, I prefer a sales tax...not vat tax. And use taxes/fees.... like the fuel tax for road infrastructure. But the "Fair" tax is a major step in the right direction. Along with that .....a Constitutional amendment limiting federal spending to 10% GDP, with military spending 60% of that.... would go a long way to reigning in the Beast.

Any tax by the feds not apportioned to the states, will require a bureaucracy like the IRS to collect and monitor.

[Bigun]

Any tax by the feds not apportioned to the states, will require a bureaucracy like the IRS to collect and monitor.

Sorry my friend but that is just flat out wrong!  The Fairtax is a point of retail sale only sales tax on NEW goods and services only. It would be collected by the states and does not require the existence of the IRS at all!  In fact, the bill MANDATES the abolition of that agency and the destruction of all it's records.

[RetBobbyMI]

Sorry my friend but that is just flat out wrong!  The Fairtax is a point of retail sale only sales tax on NEW goods and services only. It would be collected by the states and does not require the existence of the IRS at all!  In fact, the bill MANDATES the abolition of that agency and the destruction of all it's records.

Ok good, except that can you imagine the instant increase in cost to those on fixed incomes, without a corresponding increase in pensions, social security and the like?  10 or even 15% of additional increase in cost of goods (taxes) not now paid by these people, one of which is ME!

[Fantom]

Ok good, except that can you imagine the instant increase in cost to those on fixed incomes, without a corresponding increase in pensions, social security and the like?  10 or even 15% of additional increase in cost of goods (taxes) not now paid by these people, one of which is ME!

That is an easy fix. Basic foods and services are exempt.... for everyone. No wealth transfer either without loss of vote. Free food..no vote. Free phone..no vote... Free..well you get my meanin'.

[Bigun]

Ok good, except that can you imagine the instant increase in cost to those on fixed incomes, without a corresponding increase in pensions, social security and the like?  10 or even 15% of additional increase in cost of goods (taxes) not now paid by these people, one of which is ME!

Wrong again!  There won't be any increased costs because there will no longer be a corporate income tax and all the cost's it imposes on the price of everything manufactured in this country today.  And under the fairtax you would only have to earn $100 in order to have the funds necessary to purchase a $100 item!

[RetBobbyMI]

That is an easy fix. Basic foods and services are exempt.... for everyone. No wealth transfer either without loss of vote. Free food..no vote. Free phone..no vote... Free..well you get my meanin'.

Agreeable.  Now get rid of all those annoying hidden nitnoid fees and taxes on cable and other telecommunications bills that who knows where they go.

[Bigun]

That is an easy fix. Basic foods and services are exempt.... for everyone. No wealth transfer either without loss of vote. Free food..no vote. Free phone..no vote... Free..well you get my meanin'.

Nope!  NO exemptions period!  The instant you do that you bring back the K Street lobby in it's full glory!  The Fairtax would instead just refund in advance ALL of each persons taxes on ALL of their spending up to the poverty level.  YOU decide what your necessities are instead of some government flunky doing it for you!

[RetBobbyMI]

Wrong again!  There won't be any increased costs because there will no longer be a corporate income tax and all the cost's it imposes on the price of everything manufactured in this country today.  And under the fairtax you would only have to earn $100 in order to have the funds necessary to purchase a $100 item!

But its still a bigger hit on disposable income than now for retired folks on social security and pension plans, much of which isn't taxed now.

[RetBobbyMI]

Nope!  NO exemptions period!  The instant you do that you bring back the K Street lobby in it's full glory!  The Fairtax would instead just refund in advance ALL of each persons taxes on ALL of their spending up to the poverty level.  YOU decide what your necessities are instead of some government flunky doing it for you!

POVERTY Level?  shirley...you jest.