Almost $200 Million Donated To Representatives To
Pass TPA
By Paola Casale
June 23, 2015 "Information
Clearing House" -
Many think our government is for sale.
However, by taking a look at the facts below provided by the
Open Secrets, it is easy to understand where they are coming
from. Looking back at Friday the 12th, the House voted on Trade
Promotion Authority (TPA), the controversial bill that gives power
to the executive branch to negotiate treaties. TPA limit’s Congress’
ability to better a trade deal by subjecting members of Congress to
90 days of reviewing the trade agreement, prohibiting any amendments
on the implementing legislation, and giving them an up or down vote.
TPA passed with a mere 219-211 vote with only 218 needed to pass.
The real shocker comes from the amount of money each Representative
received for a yes vote. In total, $197,869,145 was given to
Representatives for a yes vote where as $23,065,231 was given in
opposition.
- John Boehner (R-OH) received $5.3 million for
a “yea” vote and was the highest paid legislator.
- Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) received $2.4 million
for his “yea” vote.
- Paul Ryan (R-WI) received $2.4 million for a
“yea” vote and came in at the third highest paid legislator.
- Pat Tiberi (R-OH) follows Paul Ryan, coming
in the fourth spot having received $1.6 million for his “yea”
vote.
The fifth highest paid legislator is somewhat of a
“hero” in comparison to others. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
received $1.6 million for a yes vote and only $282,710 for a no
vote. Despite of his high contribution from those in favor of TPA,
he still voted a solid nay.
We also have other hero stories.
- Joe Crowley (D-NY) received 1.3 million for a
“yea” vote and only $72,550 for a “nay” vote and he still voted
against TPA.
- Patrick Murphy (D-FL) received 1.1 million
for a “yea” vote and only $213,360 for a “nay” vote and still
voted against it.
- Richard Neal D(MA) received $1.1 million for
a “yea” vote and a mere $47,625 for a “nay” vote and still voted
against it.
Democrats are not the only heroes in this voting
session. GOP members spoke very loud and clear.
- Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) received $541,746 for a
“yea” vote and no money at all for a “nay” vote and he still
voted “nay!”
- Andy Harris (R-MD) received $254,803 for a
“yea” vote and no money at all for a “nay” vote and he still
voted “nay”.
- Thomas Massie (R-KY) received $250,328 for a
“yea” vote and no money at all for a “nay” vote and he still
voted “nay.”
- Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) received $180,832 for
a “yea” vote and no money at all for a “nay vote” and she still
voted “nay.”
Where did this kind of money come from? Those in
favor of TPA were
Security Brokers and Investment Companies who donated a whopping
$11.3 million dollars for a “yea” vote. Or
big banking companies who donated $10.1 million dollars. In
other words, Wall Street hashed out millions and millions of dollars
to push for the passage of TPA.
Those numbers are absolutely staggering.
Corporations are taking control of what policies are approved or
blocked in the U.S. We cannot sit around while corporations decide
what is “good” for America or not! This is a democracy, not a
plutocracy! Contact your representatives and let them know that you
do not want them to vote in favor of TPA!
© 2015
Economy In Crisis
See
also -
Corporations Win Again: Senate Passes
Obamatrade Fast-Track Bill: Union
leaders warn enabling Fast-Track prematurely would "compound its
expected negative impacts, leaving U.S. workers in the lurch and
depriving the U.S. manufacturing sector of vital tools necessary to
combat unfair trade."
