There is an unwritten rule in Congress that before you do even a little for the working class you must do a lot for the donor class. So while the $1.1 trillion budget bill now winding its way to passage contains some tax breaks for low-income workers, and a bonanza for Big Business. Congressional leadership split the bill in two with one devoted to spending and the other devoted to cuts. “That way GOP conservatives can vote against the spending bill, Democratic liberals can vote against the tax bill, and both bills still pass and a government shutdown is averted.” But in Congress, the energy giants have money to burn, and that cash speaks louder than threats to the earth or its inhabitants. In the 113th Congress the fossil fuel industry spent $326 million on lobbying and political campaigns. In return, they received government favors totaling $33.7 billion. Do the math:
At billmoyers.com
