American Tax Officer

Chapter 230: Lobbying Congress, Attacking the Black Tax Bill_2



Upon hearing this, the originally relaxed expressions of the representatives from the six major film companies grew solemn, because Okonji's words were indeed correct.

David and his Western Suburb Branch were clearly targeting the entire Hollywood, and if Disney, the big brother, were also disciplined, there was no way they could escape.

With this in mind, the MGM representative spoke up, "Actually, I think what's most important right now is whether you at Disney can handle the acquisition of Fox Film Corporation properly. As long as we can prevent this gap from being torn open by him, then he won't be able to touch us for the time being."

"Our two companies are already handling it, but as you all know, this David can investigate matters from decades ago so thoroughly, let alone a transaction from just 2-3 years ago, we can't guarantee nothing will be uncovered."

If it were guaranteed that nothing fishy about this acquisition would be revealed, then Okonji wouldn't have needed to convene the seven major film companies for discussion.

"That's going to be problematic..."

The representatives from all the major film companies furrowed their brows, but before long, the Paramount Pictures representative, supporting his chin, said, "I think the best course of action right now is to distract the Western Suburb Branch's relentless pursuit of us by using another incident."

"Haha, Raymond, last time we did what you said, funding the Human Rights Organization and stirring them up against the Western Suburbs Branch, and what happened? Didn't that David still chase us around like headless chickens, to the point where their chairman had to hold a press conference and apologize? What good is using that tactic again now?"

As soon as the Paramount Pictures representative opened his mouth, it immediately aroused the anger of many people present.

Because he was the one who had last encouraged the Human Rights Organization to take on the Western Suburbs Branch, which not only failed to achieve any effect at all but even cost them several million US dollars each for nothing—essentially a complete loss.

The man referred to as Raymond from Paramount Pictures didn't back down, and continued, "The Human Rights Organization incident was indeed unexpected, no one thought David would be so unconventional and forcefully incriminate them, but what I'm talking about now, he won't be able to settle so easily!"

At these words, everyone showed renewed interest, and Okonji asked, "Raymond, just what are you proposing?"

"It's quite simple. David is acting so brutally and domineering primarily because of the Black Tax Bill. This bill is like a sharp sword in his hands, allowing him to chop anyone he wants openly. If we can launch an attack against this bill, I reckon the National Tax Bureau will become anxious, and it will also redirect David's focus!"

Upon hearing this, everyone from the various companies was initially stunned, and it was only after a moment that Okonji asked, "What kind of attack do you have in mind?"

"For instance, lobby Congress to abolish this bill!"

At this statement, some people showed expressions of absolute astonishment, but the MGM representative quickly rebuked, "Raymond, I think you're insane. Do you know how much effort the National Tax Bureau put into getting this bill passed? If we dare to do that, it's not just the Western Suburb Branch we'd be dealing with, I'm afraid even the Washington D.C.

National Tax Bureau Headquarter would step in personally!"

"This bill is currently the lifeline of the National Tax Bureau. If we dare to meddle with it, the consequences are not something we can afford. You really are insane, Raymond!"
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"If Paramount wants to die, we have no objections, just don't drag us down with you!"

"..."

Nearly every major film company began to curse at Raymond.

As they said, the Black Tax Bill was a legislation the National Tax Bureau had pushed through Congress with great effort and was currently one of its most important pieces of legislation.

If they dared to strike at this bill, not only would they face trouble from the Western Suburbs Branch, they would likely face an offensive from the entire National Tax Bureau system!

"Everyone, don't panic. When I say abolish this bill, I don't actually mean to get rid of it for real. I just want to use this as a way to divert the National Tax Bureau's attention, to exert some pressure on them so that the Western Suburb Branch stops hounding us," Raymond clarified.

"Of course, for us, the seven major film companies, this is indeed very risky, but for Disney Film Industry, led by Mr. Okonji, it's not such a big deal."

All eyes from the major film companies then turned towards Okonji.

Raymond's words seemed to remind them of something—the "Mickey Mouse Bill."

Out of the major companies, only Disney had the capability to influence Congress, even to the point of amending legislation.

For instance, the prominent "Mickey Mouse Bill" was an example.

For the other companies to lobby Congress against the Black Tax Bill was unthinkable and beyond their ability, but if Disney took the lead, they would be more than happy to reap the benefits.

After all, if trouble arose, Disney would be the one to take the fall, and if things went south, they could surrender or back down.

"Haha, Raymond, you wish. It's true Disney has some clout in Congress, but it's only for some inconsequential bills. A bill as important as the Black Tax Bill is not so easily settled," Okonji replied.

Okonji clearly understood Raymond's intention to use him as a pawn, but he wasn't a fool. First, lobbying against the Black Tax Bill at the National Tax Bureau was essentially playing with fire; it was too dangerous.


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