Tell me if this sounds familiar: The political duopoly, owned and operated by the Republicans and Democrats, “work” into the wee hours of the morning as they attempt to pass a major piece of legislation.
Usually, the legislation being considered is so politically volatile that the so-called leadership had to create it behind closed doors only to reveal it to legislators moments before requiring them to vote on it—usually without giving them enough time to read it first.
Not surprisingly, this approach leaves a few legislators unsure about how to vote, forcing so-called leadership to offer a potpourri of backroom deals and “hand shake” promises to buy the “yes” votes necessary for passage.
Now, if you thought I was talking about how Obamacare was passed, that’s understandable because that’s exactly how it happened under the Democrat-controlled Congress and Barack Obama. But I was describing how the in-name-only tax reform bill was passed early Saturday morning by the GOP-controlled Congress and Donald Trump.
From behind-closed-doors meetings to handshake promises, Trump, McConnell, and Ryan—with the blessing of so-called conservatives—have followed the Obamacare playbook to a T in order to pass tax reform.
With the final tally of “yes” votes for the unpopular bill still uncertain, McConnell offered a batch of hand shake promises to buy votes from Sens. Susan Collins and Jeff Flake by giving them his commitment to save Obamacare and DACA.
While Susan Collins succeeded in adding a few things to the bill that were actually tax related, the final price for her vote was a promise from McConnell to advance the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act, a bill created by RINO Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray, and supported by Chuck Schumer. Originally introduced in October, BHCSA will keep Obamacare alive and kicking by funding insurance subsidies through 2020.
The soon-to-be-retired Jeff Flake came much cheaper. His only demand was a commitment from Trump and McConnell to save DACA and essentially create an amnesty plan for so-called DREAMers. Since saving DACA is a priority for Trump and the GOP, this is all but guaranteed.
While the bill fails to deliver on its promise to cut taxes, tax reform will save Obamacare and provide amnesty for illegals. But I bet you won’t hear that at the signing ceremony when Trump puts his signature on this bankruptcy-inducing bill.
David Leach is the owner of The Strident Conservative, your source for opinion that’s politically-incorrect and always “right.” His articles can also be found on RedState.com.
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