Tax Cuts Under the Knife

摘要

The inner sanctum of the Treasury Building is decorated with artifacts of the government's role in commerce: 19th-century bonds, brass weights and measures, greenbacks in lofty denominations. In his private dining room, Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill is hosting one-on-one breakfasts with key members of Congress. The table is laden with fresh fruit and pastries. But it might as well be covered with the green felt of a gaming table. For in these sessions, O'Neill concedes President Bush's tax-cut plan, as written, won't be the "stimulative" jolt a febrile economy needs. Translation: if you want to change the bill, let's talk.