Extortion - How Politicians Extract Your Money, Buy Votes, and Line Their Own Pockets

“Schweizer names guilty parties . . . He exposes powerful figures in politics, law firms, and corporations.” — Forbes

Washington is no longer about lawmaking, it’s about moneymaking

Conventional wisdom holds that Washington is broken because outside special interests bribe politicians. The reverse is true: politicians have developed a new set of brass-knuckle legislative tactics designed to extort wealthy industries and donors into forking over big donations — cash that lawmakers often funnel into the pockets of their friends and family.

Inside this best-selling bombshell of a book, Schweizer reveals the exorbitant secret “fees” each political party charges politicians for top committee assignments; how fourteen members of Congress bagged hundreds of thousands of dollars using a little-known self-loan loophole; how politicians use PACs to bankroll lavish lifestyles; and much more. Washington’s extortion racket has gone unreported — until now.

The Extortion Racket: Discover why the real problem in Washington isn’t bribery, but a system where politicians use legislative threats to shake down donors for cash and favors. Milker Bills and Tollbooths: Uncover the cynical tactics used to manufacture crises—from introducing bills designed only to generate donations to charging a “toll” for a critical vote to even take place. Campaign Finance Loopholes: Follow the money as Schweizer exposes how members of Congress legally funnel donations into their own pockets, pay family members, and use PACs to bankroll lavish lifestyles. Naming Names: Based on meticulous research, this exposé goes beyond theory to identify the powerful figures in both parties who profit from the system.