A tax break for Hugo Chavez?!
Say what? I missed this one the other day. The House Democrats have apparently granted tax breaks for Hugo Chavez in the energy bill passed on Wednesday. Via CNS:
House Republicans criticized energy legislation passed late Wednesday, saying that it would raise taxes on the oil industry but give tax breaks to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the state-run oil company CITGO.
“Middle-class families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze from rising costs for gasoline, food, and other costs of living,” said House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a statement. “Unfortunately, the Democrats’ ‘no energy’ bill will only make matters worse by raising taxes and setting the table for even higher prices at the pump.”
The House passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 on a vote of 236 to 182. Senate Democratic leaders have indicated they would fast-track the bill to try to avoid a Republican filibuster…”It actually carves out tax breaks for Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez – courtesy of American taxpayers,” said Boehner. “This is unacceptable, and the Democratic leadership is irresponsible for bringing the bill to the House floor.”
“I am disappointed that the Majority voted down a Republican proposal to eliminate the tax relief for Hugo Chavez and give it to those who need it most: middle-class American families,” he said. “The largest tax increase in American history is on the horizon, and House Republicans are committed to stopping it.”
The Foundry has more:
We know liberals in Congress are sympathetic to Hugo Chavez leftist agenda, but cutting him a tax break is a little over the line. Yesterday, the House passed an energy bill that raised taxes on American oil and gas companies. Notice the emphasis on ‘American.’ What should surprise everyone is that Citgo, Chavez’ personal ATM that operates in the U.S., is still getting a 6 percent tax break for domestic manufacturing that Exxon, Chevron, BP, Conoco-Phillips and Shell will all loose. How is this possible?
The House figures that since Petroleos de Venezuela, doesn’t actually produce any oil and gas in the U.S, they just refine and distribute it, they shouldn’t have to face the punitive taxation that the House wants to inflict on U.S. oil producers. So just at a time when oil is reaching over $100 a barrel liberals want to decrease domestic production and give Chavez a financial leg up on his U.S. competitors. All this so the House can pat itself on the back for “doing something” about global warming.
And more from CQ Politics:
The tax package (HR 5351), which passed 236-182, repeals subsidies for five major oil and gas companies to offset $13.7 billion of the $18.1 billion in renewable-energy tax breaks contained in the bill.
Meanwhile, Citgo Petroleum Corp. would continue to receive a 6 percent deduction for domestic manufacturing that the largest firms would lose.
Citgo, which refines oil and markets and transports gasoline in the United States, is owned by a subsidiary of the government-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., or PDVSA. Because Citgo does not drill for oil and gas domestically or abroad, it does not fall under the bill’s definition of companies that will lose a major tax break.
The five big companies targeted by the bill — Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, Shell and ConocoPhillips — all produce and refine oil and sell gasoline in the United States, and therefore under the bill would lose the domestic manufacturing deduction they received as part of a corporate tax law in 2004 (PL 108-357).
GOP lawmakers Wednesday argued that such a policy runs counter to the Democrats’ goals for the bill — to reduce dependence on foreign oil and increase national security — by providing a tax break to a company owned by a country whose head of state just weeks ago threatened to stop oil sales to the United States.
“This bill raises taxes for U.S. oil and gas production . . . while giving more American dollars to a dictator that has threatened to take away U.S. energy supplies,” said Republican Phil English of Pennsylvania.
What’s Spanish for “Shoot yourselves in the foot?”
See what others have said
Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.
Trackbacks
- This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here » Blog Archive » House jacks up fuel prices
- Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 « Know About Congress
- Dems Declaring War On American Oil
- Tax Breaks for Hugo Chavez : American Pundit
- Bush on $4 gas - Page 2 - Driving Me Insane
- March Analysis
- House Leaders Help America’s Enemies, Punish Our Friends | OpenMarket.org
- “Nacho Cuba Libre”: Sometime’s when you’re a dictator, you like to wear stretchy pants. Just for fun. « Chris Matthew’s Leg
- What the FARC is going on? « The Red Pill
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Categories: Hugo Chavez
Riehl World View
» Bet: Ratings Fail - Oprah/Obama Christmas Special
Mudville Gazette
» The five-year planNewsBusters.org
» Oprah To Do Primetime Christmas Special With The ObamasRiehl World View
» Dowd: Dem Elites Displeased With Obama As Palin RisesStop The ACLU
» SEALs Charged With Assault for Arresting Top TerroristGay Patriot
» The O So Hip Obama
Loco a la cabeza.
No, not really, but it’s appropriate.
This is totally absurb. I don’t buy Citgo. In fact, the only time I would buy its gas, is if I coasted in on an empty tank…just to buy a couple of bucks worth to get to another station. The democrats are totally out of control. I just shake my head and wonder about what other idiocy are we going to see tomorrow from them.
Anyone surprised? Vote early Vote Often
Tirarse en el pie.
Is not Valero, the gas/oil company we see in TV commercials now, also owned by Chavez, and essentially a rename of Citgo?
Every time I think congress can’t possibly get any dumber, they show me how wrong I am. Who’s side are these guys on anyway?
Oh wait, maybe if they give Hugo a break, he will give more free heating oil to the poor, and maintain the demoncrat voter base.
Boggles the mind.
What came over me?!
I almost forgot….
That picture of Chavez…can’t..help..it….
Moe, Larry, cheese!
Moe, Larry, cheese!
Moe, Larry, cheese!
No – Limboiger!
Sorry, folks.
Please forgive.
No, it is just liberal fellow travelers doing their thing – nothing new.
US citizens will pay more at the pump since croporate taxes are passed on and Hugo gets a 6% kicker to buy food for his tanking economy or put into his Swiss bank account.
Good to see the liberals continue to look out for the rapidly shrinking middle class.
Why can’t Congress understand that raising taxes on any industry raises prices for the consumer? The industry doesn’t suffer. But, I suspect they do understand, and do this, trying to fool people into thinking those mean rich oil companies are going to get punished. The sad part is that there are many people out there who actually believe that. They are the ones who still believe man didn’t land on the moon and the world is flat. “Round” is a right-wing conspiracy. When you’ve got a lot of people who think the Civil War never happened…well, judge for yourself.
And there are STILL people who support the Dimocrap party???
I may be juvenile but I am not stupid!
That was in honor of a special trollish poster.
Wow, just…. wow…
Is the media so asleep and talking about Barry and Hill that this will slip by?
Michelle, can we find out who put this in the bill?
Of course, no Democrat congressperson will take claim to this, but I’m sure we can find out whose staff presented this, can’t we?
Hugo Chavez is rooting for the Democrats in 2008 for “change” since they want to give him a tax break. I am encouraging the oil companies to post at the pump the portion of the cost of gasoline that is attributable to this new “Pelosi” tax. Pelosi can add that to her significant list of achievements: Putting Roger Clemens in jail, renaming a few post offices, wasting tax dollars on useless, stupid investigations and preparing pretty and elitist meals at the congressional cafeteria. That useless politician should be congratulated for such accomplishments.
The democrats will not be satidfied until gas is at $7/gallon. If a dem takes the WH expect a fifty cent a gallon increase every other year.
Granite, Valero is not owned by Chavez or Citgo.
There – fixed it.
House Dumbocrats, “Tax Cuts? We don’t need no stinkin’ tax cuts…unless its for a marxist, turd world leader whom we love and worship!”
#16 On February 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, Chard402003 said:
“Granite, Valero is not owned by Chavez or Citgo.”
Thanks for the tip.
Back to Citgo – I’d heard a few months ago that they were advertising a subsidiary here in the U.S. with a different name, so as to bypass any shunning or boycott of Venezuela’s CITGO.
Had I heard wrong?
Unfreaking believable. The democraps are against our righteous war with the evil doers but pass tax cuts for those who hate us. What the heck were they thinking? Or were they?
I’m not sure about the answer to this question, Michelle, but, one Spanish phrase does come to my mind for the Democrats in Congress…
Besame cula!
FYI, concerning Valero:
It does not appear to have any direct connection to Venezuela.
One of your posters above asked the question, does congress not understand that raising taxes on corps raises taxes on consumers? Yes they do, and very well. It is how you raise taxes on the middle class. Once again they lie, but what is unusual about that? It is what happens when you vote democratic.
Venezuela nationalizes (read: steals) Exxon/Mobil refinery assets in Venezuela and our congress extends them a tax break?
Michelle, is there a rollcall for that vote?
It sounds like the Democrats are just finding new ways to tax the oil companies. They can’t tax profits yet, so just add more tax to the process. Which gets passed on to us, the consumer.
I’m surprised that Democrats even know how to give back. A tax break, coming from Democrats?!?! Of course the tax break isn’t for the American people that they claim they represent. No, that would be way to much to ask for. Instead, it goes to Hugo Chavez. WTF? This is just so very wrong.
Carter making a comeback. Realize that half the adults in the US don’t have a clue who Carter was, and what they do know came from the drive bys who say he is great.
Won’t take these Democrats long, two years tops, the economy will be toast.
We’re sitting on a whole lot of oil, yet because of the politicians and misguided environmentalists, we can’t go and get it. We have to rely on the Middle East and Venezula oil. So, if they say “jump”…the U.S. responds, “How high?” Sad state of affairs. Where are you when we need you, Teddy?
HEY! What do you guys under the bridge think about what the Demoflaps have done here?
Hello?
Oh, can’t blame Bush, so No Comment?
Thanks michelle I was just about over a little disagreement with my lunch until I read this and almost puked on my blackberry.
The only good thing about this is the ball is in their court….so who is going to back up the rhetoric…hillary or obama???
I’d put money on a no show or a present vote for at least one of them.
The Dems want to raise our taxes but cut the enemy’s? OPEN ANWAR
I’m with SHoward on this one.
Oh, Tinkerbelle – wise one who is always with us? Pipe up and give us the super-liberal view on this one. I am sure it has everything to do with Bush – right?
Here’s the roll call vote on HR 5351
http://www.opencongress.org/roll_call/show/2410
For some odd reason McCain looks better each day.Soap,he won’t show,not when he knows his team showed it’s true commie,er marxist,er Democrat side.
Here’s what galls me:
They (The Dems) are changing the Tax Code of 1986, AGAIN! The whole purpose of the change in 1986 was to make the code more simple.
How many more times must this Tax Code be changed until the revolt against the IRS and Congress begins?
Damn dishonest politicians! I am totally disgusted with the whole lot. Either we vote them out or we go down there and drag them all out and throw the sorry lot in the gutter.
Gee, I thought that this rant would make me feel better….but it doesn’t. I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach now.
I’d thought the same, but have been informed that it’s a separate U.S. company that’s been around a long time. Valero’s website also states it’s an independent, U.S.-owned company.
As far as the legislation goes, does anybody know the legal definition of sedition? The Dems seem to be getting close….
LOL! Barry, I think you mean “¡Bésame el culo!” And yes, it does come to mind.
doc,
I hear ya. So, he is either a liar or a coward.
Well, Soap, his willingness to post his picture in his profile indicates he’s probably not a coward……
The sponsors
The vote
Pelosi has never met a terrorist she didn’t want to climb into bed with. Giving El Loco a tax break knowing full well the taxation they just passed against American companies is going to increase prices for the consumer. Where did she and her “House Band of Collected Idiots” take their economics courses? I remember now, it was Marxist University, School of Wealth Redistribution. Dang almighty!
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see Sheila Jackson-Lee voted for it. She’s another perfect example proving that many voters are truly stupid. I hate to quote Obama, but it is time for change. We need a radical overhaul ASAP.
amigoneus@4:10PM, oh we’re in for a change alright. Just wait to see the goodness and light when we have a liberal controlled House, Senate, and White House – and, ultimately appointees to the Supreme Court. By the time they get through with the pillage of America you’ll not recognize it.
I see they got bipartisan sponsorship! 100% Dimocraps.
The Dimocraps are selling us down the road and you cannot get one single post here from a single Democrat/liberal about how this is a good thing for America. It is even obvious to them this is horrible. I would like just one to pipe in and agree instead of waiting for someone to say “cu_t” to hear from them.
Not.holding.breath
I remember something Hillary said last year when Exxon announced record profits. Something about taking that money and spending it where it will do the most good. Meaning social programs.
I can understand the increase in taxes, that’s basic democrap economic theory, but I don’t understand the tax break for a thug like Chavez. Even for these guys, that seems a little off the deep end.
24Klady – sorry, I should have worded better
I’m not calling for the change Obama would bring, I’m just using his favorite word. Trust me, I’m pretty much the opposite of Obama politically.
These are democrats, people. They’ve just been elected and figure they have the run of the country. Haven’t you noticed that nothing has been accomplished in a positive mode since they came to D.C.? These so-called Congressman are like kids who have just been let loose in a toy store…screams of delight, mass confusion and toys everywhere. They just can’t stop grabbing at anything that glitters.
amigoneus@4:32 – don’t be sorry, we’re on the same page and I understood what you meant…I was just ranting about how awful it really is going to get and seem to have been thinking ahead and pounding keys out of sync
This is a shameful act by the House democrats, and while, as a conservative Republican, I have been told by the MSM that I am not allowed to question a democrat’s patriotism, I do think their passage of this legislation pretty much speaks to that issue all by itself.
When oil and gas prices were low, the socialists (democrats) demanded that people in the U.S. pay more at the pump and wanted to raise prices. Through taxation. What else?
When gas prices hit $3.00 – $3.50, the socialists, in typical fasion, demagogued the issue by claiming we were paying too much. So which one is it, socialists? $3.50 a gallon through taxation or $3.50 a gallon through free enterprise? Personally, I’ll take free enterprise.
When the wealth is in the hands of private citizens and private industry, the socialists just can’t stand it.
Can we please outlaw socialism and get back to the freedom of our constitution?
Constitution? We have a Constitution? Oh, yeah, John, now I remember. It sits in the National Archives and there it shall remain, I suppose. No one pays any attention to it, anyway, these days; just a word in the “Oath” kept for old time’s sake. The national government can do anything now, with the people’s blessing and the courts’ blessing. The Constitution was just a hinderance anyway, unless, of course, it happened to agree with one side, who would blow the dust off of it, wave it, and get some court to say, “Oh, okay. Sounds good to me. If Jefferson says it’s okay, it must be good.” Welcome to Animal Farm, John.
Does this mean big oil companies, EXCEPT Hugo’s big oil company, is/are evil?
Graysonret:
Four Legs Good
Two Legs Bad
JConrad, that sounds to me exactly what they are saying.
Yup, SHoward…you got it.
I see Chavez is threatening Columbia. That man is sick, and I don’t mean it figurely. He is mentally ill and needs help. Unfortunately, such people are very dangerous. He could be the spark to ignite a whole lot of trouble.
Now we just have to wait until the Coronation, and if they keep control of congress the truth will be out:
Four Legs Good
Two Legs Better….
“Free enterprise” good
Socialism better….
P-R-E-C-I-S-E-L-Y graysonret….