Congress Toys With Forgiveness

It seems axiomatic in Congress that whenever a bill comes along that both parties agree must be passed, it becomes a magnet for every piece of pork, every political cause, every lobbyist giveaway. The latest example is an urgently needed measure to end a $5 billion annual subsidy for American exporters that has put the nation in violation of international trade practices. Over the last few months, even as Europe began imposing billions in retaliatory tariffs on American industries, lawmakers have contrived to turn this relatively simple vehicle into a $100 billion gravy train.

More than 100 amendments throw everyone from Nascar entrepreneurs to dog-track owners and tobacco growers a piece of the action, even though they have nothing to do with the trade issue at hand. And now, just as House action is approaching, Republican leaders have added an outrageous sop for political-minded church leaders.

Under the proposal, churches that venture too zealously into politics would be allowed three "unintentional violations" of the law governing nonprofit organizations without risking immediate loss of their tax-exempt status. Wouldn't we all love such tax-code mercies? This transparent bridge across the church-state divide comes as hustings-tempted clergy are already being openly enlisted by White House campaigners as "friendly congregations" for the November elections. The House proposal mocks honest clergy as much as the tax code.