American Tax Officer

Chapter 599: Chapter 302: The W Assistance Bill Enters Voting
 

The next morning, not half an hour after David arrived at his office, Kepel knocked on the door and came in, saying, “Director, Congressman Josh Rachel has arrived and would like to see you.”

“Josh Rachel?”

Hearing this name for the first time, David felt somewhat unfamiliar with it, but quickly, an image of the man and his information appeared in his mind.

Josh Rachel, a Congressman, a member of the MZD, but he also held another, more important position, that of the House Majority Whip.

For an understanding of the role of the House Majority Whip, one might reference the main character Frank in the American TV series ‘House of Cards’.

The responsibility of the position included ensuring that all party members participated in voting, coordinating the interests of various district representatives within the party, and making sure that party members were united and created political synergy during votes.

Moreover, the Majority Whip also oversaw disciplinary matters for all representatives in the House and was the third most powerful figure after the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader.

Besides the House, the role of the Majority Whip, even when considered within the entire American political landscape, is definitely one of the most high-ranking and influential positions.

Just look at the main character Frank in ‘House of Cards’, who could manipulate top leaders like the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and Speaker of the House at will, something impossible without holding the position of the party Whip.

Of course, the TV show might be an exaggeration, but there was no doubt that Josh Rachel, who had managed to ascend to the position of Whip, was an old fox on the political scene.

Still, David didn’t know what the old fox was seeking by coming to see him today.

Could it be…

David seemed to have some guesses, but after all, the visitor was one of the top magnates in American politics, and since he had taken the trouble to come personally, David couldn’t refuse to meet him, as it would be too disrespectful. He could only say, “Then please bring him up.”

“Yes.”

Seven or eight minutes later, the door was knocked on again, and a man in his fifties entered,

He was tall and thin with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a neatly tailored suit paired with a gray tie, a sapphire ring on the finger of his right hand, and a faint smile on his face.

“Director David, I’m delighted to meet you for the first time.”

“Mr. Josh, I’m also very pleased to meet you. Please have a seat.”

Josh took a seat, seemingly casual as he said, “The Aid W Act will go to vote in Congress in a few days. I’m curious, Director David, what is your view on it? Do you hope it passes?”

“I’m just a tax collector; I don’t comment on such significant national matters.”

David wasn’t foolish; he had already sensed that the other party was trying to draw him out, and to avoid trouble, he naturally wouldn’t publicly voice his opinion on this matter.

“America is a country that values freedom. Everyone is entitled to comment on such matters, especially since the funding for the Aid W Act relies on your effort, Director David. I think you should express your opinion appropriately.”

“My opinion is that I support all the decisions of Congress.”

David was clever in his reply; he didn’t explicitly state his support or opposition to the Aid W Act. The underlying message was that as long as Congress approved it, he would support it; otherwise, he wouldn’t, which was akin to playing tai chi.

“Little fox…”

Josh mentally sneered, then went on, “The work for the Aid W Act is going smoothly, so I can tell you now that there will be no problem with its passage.”

He said this now primarily to show goodwill toward David, as he had other purposes for his visit today.

David wasn’t particularly surprised to hear this.

Any astute observer could see that the Aid W Act was mainstream policy for both the White House and Congress, it would be a surprise if it weren’t passed.

“Oh yes, the preliminary funding for the Aid W Act is 100 billion, and judging by the tax collection situation in your department recently, there should be several tens of billions more in your treasury, right?”@@novelbin@@

Hearing this, David inwardly thought as expected.

He had guessed earlier that the high-ranking House official came for the extra funds in the National Tax Bureau, and now this proved his speculation.

“That’s right, apart from the 100 billion allocated for the Aid W Act, our National Tax Bureau indeed has several tens of billions of funds left.”

The funding issue had already been made public, and now the whole world knew about that money in the National Tax Bureau; it would naturally be impossible to conceal.

“Then I’ll get straight to the point, Director David. Honestly, I’ve been pushing a healthcare bill for the past few months, but as you know, the national finances are not very robust at the moment. If you could secure this funding for me, I would be infinitely grateful.”

Despite being the House Majority Whip, with high ranking and influence,

The position of the Whip, just like that of a House representative, had a two-year term, and with the midterm elections in November approaching, his several competitors were quite strong.

The best way for him to secure his position was to produce tangible achievements.

Healthcare legislation has always been among the most popular with the public, and if he could successfully push it through, it could not only maintain his standing in the House but even elevate him to higher office.

This was the reason why even someone as prominent as the third highest official in the House would personally visit Director David.