Michelle Malkin » A tax break for Hugo Chavez?!

A tax break for Hugo Chavez?!

By Michelle Malkin • February 29, 2008 12:29 PM

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?”

Posted in: Hugo Chavez

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#1

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:40 pm, fourstringfuror said:

What’s Spanish for “Shoot yourselves in the foot?”

Loco a la cabeza.

No, not really, but it’s appropriate.
#2

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:41 pm, graysonret said:

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.
#3

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:42 pm, guspapa said:

Anyone surprised? Vote early Vote Often
#4

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm, Don Miguel said:

What’s Spanish for “Shoot yourselves in the foot?”

Tirarse en el pie.
#5

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm, granite said:

Is not Valero, the gas/oil company we see in TV commercials now, also owned by Chavez, and essentially a rename of Citgo?
#6

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:44 pm, walterc said:

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.
#7

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:48 pm, granite said:

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.
#8

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:49 pm, gandolphxx said:

We know liberals in Congress are sympathetic to Hugo Chavez leftist agenda, but cutting him a tax break is a little over the line.

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.
#9

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm, Boomer said:

Good to see the liberals continue to look out for the rapidly shrinking middle class.
#10

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, graysonret said:

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.
#11

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

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.
#12

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:01 pm, Romeo13 said:

Wow, just…. wow…

Is the media so asleep and talking about Barry and Hill that this will slip by?
#13

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:02 pm, right_on said:

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?
#14

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:10 pm, Chard402003 said:

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.
#15

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, jukin said:

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.
#16

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, Chard402003 said:

Granite, Valero is not owned by Chavez or Citgo.
#17

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:31 pm, hawkeye54 said:

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm, Boomer said:
Good to see the liberals continue to look out for themselves and sticking it to shrinking middle class.

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!”
#18

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm, granite said:

#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?
#19

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:39 pm, zorro said:

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?
#20

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:42 pm, Barry F. said:

What’s Spanish for “Shoot yourselves in the foot?”

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!
#21

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:43 pm, hawkeye54 said:

FYI, concerning Valero:

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Valero derives its name from that city’s most famous landmark, the Alamo. Founded in 1718, the Alamo was originally called Mission San Antonio de Valero.

It does not appear to have any direct connection to Venezuela.
#22

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm, Zelsdorf Ragshaft III said:

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.
#23

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:47 pm, J S Ragman said:

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?
#24

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:51 pm, rjd27 said:

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.
#25

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

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.
#26

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:55 pm, tarpon said:

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.
#27

On February 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm, graysonret said:

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?
#28

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:05 pm, SHoward said:

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?
#29

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm, e.koenig said:

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.
#30

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:28 pm, John Ansell said:

The Dems want to raise our taxes but cut the enemy’s? OPEN ANWAR
#31

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

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?
#32

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:48 pm, madchef said:

Here’s the roll call vote on HR 5351
http://www.opencongress.org/roll_call/show/2410
#33

On February 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm, docflash said:

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.
#34

On February 29th, 2008 at 3:20 pm, JohnnyD said:

Here’s what galls me:

H.R.5351: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation.

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.
#35

On February 29th, 2008 at 3:23 pm, Perfesser said:

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm, granite said:
Is not Valero, the gas/oil company we see in TV commercials now, also owned by Chavez, and essentially a rename of Citgo?

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….
#36

On February 29th, 2008 at 3:26 pm, Don Miguel said:

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!

LOL! Barry, I think you mean “¡Bésame el culo!” And yes, it does come to mind.
#37

On February 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

doc,

I hear ya. So, he is either a liar or a coward.
#38

On February 29th, 2008 at 3:57 pm, SHoward said:

Well, Soap, his willingness to post his picture in his profile indicates he’s probably not a coward……
#39

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:03 pm, News2Use said:

The sponsors

The vote
#40

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:06 pm, 24Klady said:

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!
#41

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:10 pm, amigoneus said:

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.
#42

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:14 pm, 24Klady said:

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.
#43

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:03 pm, News2Use said:

The sponsors

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
#44

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, walterc said:

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.
#45

On February 29th, 2008 at 4:32 pm, amigoneus said:

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.
#46

On February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm, graysonret said:

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.
#47

On February 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm, 24Klady said:

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
#48

On March 1st, 2008 at 10:44 am, DBNinKY said:

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.
#49

On March 1st, 2008 at 5:21 pm, JohnHolliday said:

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?
#50

On March 2nd, 2008 at 9:01 am, graysonret said:

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.
#51

On March 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am, JConrad999 said:

Does this mean big oil companies, EXCEPT Hugo’s big oil company, is/are evil?
#52

On March 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm, SHoward said:

Graysonret:
Four Legs Good
Two Legs Bad

JConrad, that sounds to me exactly what they are saying.
#53

On March 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm, graysonret said:

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.
#54

On March 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm, SHoward said:

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….
#55

On March 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm, graysonret said:

“Free enterprise” good
Socialism better….
#56

On March 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm, SHoward said:

P-R-E-C-I-S-E-L-Y graysonret….