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February 5th, 2008 - Playing Politics Already Cost Taxpayers A Timely Refund, Now Delays Rebate Checks
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: Democrats Will Attempt To “Accrue” Political Votes “To Their Candidates’ Advantage.” “Democratic officials said privately that the debate would accrue to their candidates' advantage, either forcing Republicans to go along with their priorities or making them appear stingy toward vulnerable people including seniors, a potent voting bloc.” (“Politics Creeps Into Stimulus Deal,” The Associated Press, 01/31/08)
THE WASHINGTON POST: “Democrats Relished The Political Opportunity.” “Democrats relished the political opportunity of pitting Republicans against retirees and disabled veterans.” (“Senate Democrats Delay Stimulus Showdown,” The Washington Post, 02/01/08)
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Democrats Will Attempt To Make Republicans Pay “A Steep Political Price.” “But while the path seemed clear for Mr. McConnell to ultimately secure adoption of the House bill, Democrats said that it would not come without some Republicans potentially paying a steep political price, by voting against amendments that would be popular in their home states.” (“Senate Democrats Short of Votes for Stimulus Bill,” The New York Times, 02/01/08)
Democrats' Failure To Ensure A Timely AMT Fix Already Delayed $75 Billion In Tax Refunds This Year
ACTING IRS COMMISSIONER LINDA E. STIFF: “Accordingly, as noted in Secretary Paulson’s letter of October 23, 2007, we estimate that enactment of an AMT patch in December could delay processing of returns for as many as 50 million taxpayers and could delay issuance of approximately $75 billion in refunds.” (Letter From Acting IRS Commissioner Linda E. Stiff, 10/31/07)
CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY: Democrats “Reluctantly” Agreed To Pass The AMT Patch And Was Signed By President Bush On December 26, 2007. “Faced with the choice of patching the AMT or sticking with the pay-as-you-go budgeting rules they had trumpeted all session, Democrats reluctantly chose the alternative, passing the bill by a 352-64 margin. President Bush signed the bill into law Dec. 26. (“Facing Political Realities In The Alternative Minimum Tax,” Congressional Quarterly, 01/10/08)
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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
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