GA Digs Into Pork Barrel
The horse-trading that characterizes the political game in Washington has trotted out hundreds of millions in financial perks for GA. In order to coax senators and representatives into voting for an unpopular bill aimed at ending export subsidies deemed illegal by the World Trade Organization, proponents of the legislation offered $137 billion in tax breaks and other concessions for everything from the tobacco industry to the makers of bows and arrows. GA’s political backers had their hands out, too. Perhaps most notable was the inclusion of $247 million, over five years, to help out the producers of business jets and small planes.
The horse-trading that characterizes the political game in Washington has trotted out hundreds of millions in financial perks for GA. In order to coax senators and representatives into voting for an unpopular bill aimed at ending export subsidies deemed illegal by the World Trade Organization, proponents of the legislation offered $137 billion in tax breaks and other concessions for everything from the tobacco industry to the makers of bows and arrows. GA's political backers had their hands out, too. Perhaps most notable was the inclusion of $247 million, over five years, to help out the producers of business jets and small planes. Sponsors were Kansas senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts. About 60 percent of GA production is in Kansas. There's also $995 million in unspecified exemptions on the income derived from aircraft leasing and shipping. We couldn't find the breakdown in time for our publication deadline. The House passed its version of the bill Oct. 7 and the Senate approved it Monday. President Bush is expected to sign it into law before the election.