American Tax Officer

The introduction of the black tax bill is tantamount to a knife hanging over their heads, constantly making them feel a huge threat.

Without the restrictions of the black tax bill, it would be like taking the knife away from their heads; moreover, not having to pay such enormous taxes to the IRS would naturally result in a significant increase in their family's earnings. That's the reason the three siblings came out tonight to support Phipps.

"Alright, since that's the case, it's up to you guys now!"

Phipps was also aware of the Camora Family's influence in the Los Angeles underworld. With the support of this family, it essentially meant garnering the support of all criminals in Los Angeles, which was very helpful to him.

...

"Director Ducray, I don't want to tell your Long Beach Branch how to do its job, but with the Camora Family openly supporting Phipps like this, isn't the Long Beach District Bureau Branch going to make a move?"

After coming out of the George Hotel, David immediately called Director Ducray of the Long Beach District Bureau Branch.

"They're now society celebrities in Los Angeles, and the criminals involved with them mostly 'tribute' to our Long Beach Branch. What action do you want me to take, Director David? Our IRS has great power, but we can't arbitrarily restrict their freedom, can we? Do you think their lawyers are pushovers?"

If this accusation had come from someone else, with Director Ducray's current position and temperament, he would have already started cursing; it was only because the call was from David that he just suppressed his temper and vented a little.

"You should know the power of the Camora Family. If they now stand by Phipps and boost his popularity, it will be very disadvantageous to us. So, you'd better deal with them. If you can't, send the files about them over to us at the Western Suburb Branch, and we'll handle them!"

As the leading figures in the Los Angeles underworld, the Camora Family was also essentially representing all the criminals in Los Angeles. If the family firmly decided to stand by Phipps and support the assault on the black tax bill, it would only add wings to the tiger that is Phipps.

On hearing this, Director Ducray felt extremely uncomfortable. The Camora Family's stronghold was in the Long Beach District, and if David handled the family, wouldn't it make people think that the Long Beach District Bureau Branch was incompetent?

Moreover, there's another point: Phipps has come out and attacked the black tax bill like this, clearly because Hollywood has been driven to desperation by David, and Hollywood has indeed played this hand.

One might say that the trouble that arose was all caused by David and his Western Suburb Branch. And now David was shifting the blame to them, the Long Beach District Bureau Branch?

It was simply preposterous!

"Your Western Suburb Branch has plenty of its own problems, we don't need your intervention with the Camora Family. I will have a talk with them!"

Ducray replied, barely containing his displeasure.

"That would be best, Director Ducray."

In truth, David wasn't particularly interested in dealing with the Camora Family himself. He was already dealing with Hollywood and a whole raft of troubles with Phipps. If the Long Beach Branch could handle it themselves, nothing could be better.

After ending his call with Ducray, David continued on his way, calling the directors of several large districts in Los Angeles, instructing them to keep their local criminals under control and not to let them get involved in Phipps' campaign.

...

The next day.

The incident that occurred the previous night at the George Hotel, without a doubt, made the front pages of America's major morning newspapers.

[Los Angeles Times: Phipps' self-satisfied dinner invitation turns into a farce—what exactly did David do?]

[Wall Street Journal: George Hotel, Senator Phipps embarrassingly heckled and humiliated!]

[Washington Post: After Congressman Phipps attacked the black tax bill, David from the Western Suburb Branch immediately responded, the embarrassing moment for the congressman...]

[...]

Inside a suite on the top floor of the George Hotel, Phipps ground his teeth as he read the newspapers that mockingly satirized him.

Just then, Peristedan walked in, and seeing the look on Phipps' face and the newspaper below it, he wasn't surprised by the contents and instead said, "The media loves to exaggerate to draw attention, Mr. Phipps. Pay them no mind."

"What's the next step? Do you have a plan?"

Phipps asked.
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"I've thought it through all night. At present, America is indeed in a tight economic situation, and the black tax bill has gradually become an important source of fiscal revenue. If you want to tamper with this law, the White House would probably be the first to disagree."

"Then there's the Speaker of the House. Because you, Mr. Phipps, went against her wishes yesterday, she and the Congressional Majority Party that she leads definitely won't support you. If we want to touch this law, then we have to appeal to the electorate!"

The political system in America is interesting. First of all, it operates on a separation of powers, and as an institution holding legislative, oversight, and personnel powers, Congress's position in this system can be said to be the most significant.

However, at the end of the day, the powers of Congress are exercised by the members of both the Senate and House of Representatives, and these members, whether they want to be re-elected or to climb higher, need the support of the electorate.

Therefore, theoretically, even if Congress doesn't support the amendment of the black tax bill, as long as the electorate supports the change and exerts pressure on the legislators, ultimately, Congress will still have to yield.