American Tax Officer-Chapter 600 - 302: The W Assistance Bill Enters Voting_2
Chapter 600: Chapter 302: The W Assistance Bill Enters Voting_2
Legally speaking, although David did not have the authority to dispose of the tax revenues, these funds were, after all, collected by David’s own efforts in the first place.
Therefore, as long as David is willing to issue a statement supporting his healthcare bill, then whether it’s the Treasury Department, Congress, the White House, or even his opponents, they would all consider giving him some face.
After all, if you don’t give face, David only has to slack off and the finances would become even worse and more strapped for funds, then no one would be able to play.
David leaned his chin on his hand and thought for a while, but at last shook his head and said, “Sorry Mr. Josh, I still stand by my words, I am merely a tax collector, I don’t want to get involved in national policy and such significant matters.”
Although helping Josh, this influential Congressman, and obtaining his favor could be very beneficial in the future.
But currently, he was just the Director of the Los Angeles Tax Bureau. If he were to voice his support for such an issue, there would be many unforeseen risks involved.
For example, at headquarters, aside from people like Donald Obadiah, others like Chief Advisor Wilton Heng and Rohan were not friendly towards him.
And if he were to come out in support of Josh’s so-called healthcare bill, and it were to be approved afterward, where would that leave the likes of Wilton Heng Rohan to put their faces?
After all, we are the high-level officials of the Tax Bureau, and even we don’t have the authority to decide the use of these funds—do we not need face if you, David, a mere Los Angeles Director, suddenly have the deciding power?
In addition to possibly causing dissatisfaction at headquarters, it could also lead to dissatisfaction with individuals at the White House and from the GHD faction.
As everyone knows, GHD and MZD are two competing parties.
Josh, being from MZD, his healthcare bill would certainly be opposed by most people from GHD without the need for thought.
Moreover, conflicts between Congress and the White House are common occurrences, so Josh’s healthcare bill may not necessarily receive support from the White House either.
Considering all these factors, David decided it’s best to not get involved.
Even if he were to get involved, it couldn’t be now, at least not until he had moved into headquarters and gained a firm footing.
“This is not about making you get involved, Director David, you only need to issue a casual statement or even just draft a sentence on social media. That’s all,”
Seeing David’s refusal, Josh’s tone grew somewhat anxious.
“No Mr. Josh, please don’t make it difficult for me. I really don’t want to take a stance on such matters, and it’s not in line with the regulations anyway.”
“Director David, do you want to enter headquarters?”
Josh suddenly changed the subject, and David’s gaze turned sharp, though he did not speak.
“I know the Freemasons have a grudge against you and will do everything in their power to stop you from moving up to headquarters, but if you help me with this, I can work on your behalf. Moreover, if you ever want to lead the Tax Bureau, I can also be of help. So, helping me will definitely not put you at a disadvantage!”
Within the Tax Bureau’s system, the positions of Director-General and Chief Advisor need to pass through nomination by the President and approval by Congress to assume office.
And with Josh being the party whip of the House of Congressman, he indeed had strong influence over Congress; he wasn’t exaggerating his ability to help.
But this didn’t manage to persuade David.
Firstly, it’s true that Freemasonry had an issue with him and wanted to stop him from entering headquarters, but according to current trends, his progression towards headquarters seemed unproblematic.
Secondly, even if David wanted to become the leader of the Tax Bureau, he had only risen to prominence over the last half year; it was practically impossible to take up such a position in the short term.
Besides, when the opportunity actually arises, whether Josh would go back on his word or perform half-heartedly was not certain, since full trust in a politician’s words would only leave one disappointed.
With these thoughts, David still refused, “Sorry Mr. Josh, I reiterate my words, I will only focus on my own work for now and do not wish to concern myself with other matters.”
“Director David…”
For the remainder of their time, Josh continued to persistently promise various benefits that would help David in the future, but all were rejected by David who was firmly resolved not to get involved.
Finally, Josh, unable to do anything else, could only put down his business card along with a few words to contact him if anything changed before he got up and left.
…
In the following days, after Josh, seven or eight other congressmen came to visit one after another, all with the same request: they wanted David to help them raise funds and support their respective bills. However, David had already refused Josh, an influential leader in the House of Congressman, so how could he possibly agree to these others? He sent them all away.
At last, on the fifth day, the Los Angeles IRS finally had peace, as no more congressmen came knocking on its doors.
It wasn’t that the congressmen had given up, but rather because today was the voting day for the W Aid Bill, and all the congressmen had gathered in Washington, so naturally they wouldn’t come to Los Angeles.
By 9 AM, David was already seated on time in his office, along with Nisen, Simmons Baki, and a few others.
And their attention was all focused on the television hanging on the wall.
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In America, not all bill votes are broadcast live, only those involving bills that are attracting significant public attention do the media cover in real-time.
The W Aid Bill had recently garnered immense attention, so naturally, the congressional vote on it was broadcast live by the media.
“Bucky, let’s make a bet. Do you think the W Aid Bill will get 300 votes?”
“Although the W Aid Bill is strongly supported by the White House and Congress, 300 votes still seems a bit exaggerated. I think at most 250 votes.”
“Simmons, what about you, what do you think?”
“My opinion is similar to Bucky’s.”
There are a total of 435 congressmen in the House, so as long as there are 218 votes in favor, any bill would certainly pass through the chamber.
If a bill receives 300 votes in favor, that definitely counts as an overwhelming majority, but such instances are generally rare.
Because there are 435 congressmen, each with their own political views, and there are majority and minority parties, who usually sing different tunes, resulting in the number of votes in favor and against not being too far apart.
In the history of America, it’s common for the number of votes in favor to be just one more than those against, such as 218 to 217.
Nisen took out his wallet, pulled out two ten dollar bills, and said, “Well then, since you both think there will be at most 250 votes, I’ll bet with you. If it’s fewer than 250 votes, you win; if it’s more than 250, I win!”
“Bring it on, I’m not scared of you!”
Simmons Baki was not to be outdone, each taking out a ten-US Dollar bill and placing it on the table.
Nisen smiled satisfactorily, turned to the seated David, and teased, “Director, want to join in for a game?”
“This is a bore. It’s started. Don’t talk now, let’s see the result.”
As they conversed, a large number of congressmen had already streamed into the scene on the big screen, and David immediately gestured for Nisen and the others to quiet down.
Meanwhile, as the congressmen entered and prepared to vote on the W Aid Bill, the entire internet also became lively.
Although most people could see that with the high support for the W Aid Bill from the White House and Congress, its passing was highly probable.
However, even highly probable events can have unexpected outcomes.
In America’s history, there have been numerous occasions where bills that originally had high support and were expected by most to pass ended up failing.
Therefore, the public was eager to see if the W Aid Bill would be one of those upsets.
Of course, there were also many who truly hoped the bill would fail.
Because if it did fail, the 100 billion in funds might potentially be allocated to other purposes.
