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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Corporations |
There were some significant differences between the two parties: the Freedom Caucus amassed enough members within the House to give them leverage when it came to passing or blocking legislation. For the Squad, the source of their leverage wasn't in their numbers--the four of them--but the enthusiasm they generated among young, progressive voters across the country who made up a crucial part of the Democratic coalition. When Pelosi had an impressive 4.6 million followers on Twitter, AOC had even more, nearly 7 million.
"The most important thing is the concentration of capital, and it means that we prioritize profit and the accumulation of money above all else, and we seek it at any human and environmental cost. But when we talk about ideas like democratic socialism, it means putting democracy and society first, instead of capital first; it doesn't mean that the actual concept of capitalistic society should be abolished," she said.
She is a self-declared Democratic socialist.
Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Economy: Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."
GovTrack.us Summary: Corporate Transparency Act (CTA): To ensure that persons who form corporations or limited liability companies disclose the owners, in order to prevent exploitation for criminal gain, to assist law enforcement against terrorism, money laundering, and other misconduct.
Statement in support by Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13): This bipartisan bill closes the shell corporation loophole by requiring identification of the actual person or persons who stand to gain financially from the arrangement. "Each year, nearly two million corporations are formed in the U.S., often requiring less information about the owner of than is needed to open a bank account. Unfortunately, this has allowed bad actors to exploit our laws--establishing shell companies that are used as a vehicle for money launderers and human traffickers," said Rep. Crist.
Statement in opposition by The Heritage Foundation: Under the CTA, religious organizations and charities would be subject to fines unless they file a written certification with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The CTA is easily and lawfully avoided by the sophisticated, and would do virtually nothing to achieve their stated aim of protecting society from illicit finance. The Improving Laundering Laws and Increasing Comprehensive Information Tracking of Criminal Activity in Shell Holdings Act [ILLICT CASH Act, the Republican-introduced alternative] makes meaningful improvements to other aspects of anti–money laundering laws.
Legislative outcome: Bill Passed House, 249-173-10 on Rollcall no. 577, Oct. 22, 2019. [The 116th Congress terminated with no Senate action on this bill].