Authored by Mike Shedlock via www.themaven.net/mishtalk,
Senator Bob Corker, the lone Republican voting against the tax bill suddenly changed his mind. Why?
On December 1 Senator Corker made this statement:
"But at the end of the day, I am not able to cast aside my fiscal concerns and vote for legislation that I believe, based on the information I currently have, could deepen the debt burden on future generations."
Today Corker Tweets:
See my statement on my support for tax reform legislation: pic.twitter.com/DoeoHLrXWn
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) December 15, 2017
Senator Corker denies allegations of the "Corker Kickback".
Corker initially told IBT that the new provision “sounds totally unnecessary and borderline ridiculous” but later admitted he doesn’t “really know what the provision does to be honest. I would need an accountant to explain it.” Last year, Corker made up to $7 million from real estate pass through companies he owns.
His story, however, hit a snag when Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the Senate Majority Whip, told ABC News that the provision that benefits real estate investors was added as part of an effort to “cobble together the votes we needed to get this bill passed.”
When asked if the provision was added specifically to secure Corker’s vote, Cornyn dodged the question.
Corker Kickback Tweets
I can understand @SenBobCorker flipping his vote if new tax bill addressed why he voted NO, which was the deficit exploding. But the new tax bill doesn't address his deficit concern. That's why the #CorkerKickBack provision is so troubling. Looks like straight up self-enrichment. https://t.co/F2STLoncWw
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) December 18, 2017
This is a truly rare moment in American politics -- the senator at the center of the #CorkerKickback scandal is facing a national firestorm & is now publicly demanding answers from his own party -- and he's doing it hours before he could sink the entire tax bill. THIS IS BIG NEWS https://t.co/zB4ow11BOV
— David Sirota (@davidsirota) December 18, 2017
Tennessee is one of the states that suffers from some of the worst poverty in our country
Yet the #CorkerKickback will put money into the pockets of their Senator.
This is a message to anyone living in Tennessee
Help us #StopGOPTaxScam by calling Sen Corker at 1-202-224-3121 pic.twitter.com/vQ88JKvpWG
— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) December 18, 2017
“I demand to know how all this jewelry was crammed into my pocket before I left the store without paying for it!” #CorkerKickback https://t.co/CW0uIrh2NT
— Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) December 18, 2017
My Position
My position has been clear from the beginning. I benefit personally from this bill thanks to pass-through provisions. But I do not support this bill.
Corker to Vote Yes on Tax Bill Following Revision Giving Him a Break
Who Benefits? Me!
As I noted before, I benefit from this legislation, but not because of real estate. 100% of my income is pass-through.
Unlike Corker, I am not changing my opinion. I think this bill, which adds $1.5 trillion in debt while doing virtually nothing to spur investment or jobs, is grossly beneficial to the wealthy.
To voice your displeasure at unprecedented greed, please see Upset About the One-Sided Tax Bill? Here's What to Do About It!.