The Mickey Mouse Bailout Act

Conn Carroll / September 09, 2009

In yet another victory for corporatism over the free market and the American taxpayer, the Senate is expected to pass the Tourism Promotion Act of 2009 later today. The bill, a top priority of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), would create a new government-run entity to promote international travel funded by a $10 per person tax on visitors coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The Washington Post had an eye opening profile of the lobbying behind the bill last year:

The explosion in the size of K Street, the locus of the lobbying industry, is an extension of the growth and reach of government. The ballooning federal budget has its tentacles in every aspect of American life and commerce. No serious industry or interest can function without monitoring, and at least trying to manipulate, Washington’s decision makers. (more…)