Beto O'Rourke Proposes War Tax of $25 to $1,000 on Civilians, End to ‘blank Check for Endless War'

WASHINGTON - Beto O'Rourke proposed Monday that every time the United States goes to war, non-military households would pay a "war tax" to spread the sacrifice, and defray costs of caring for future veterans.The tax would range from $25 a year to $1,000 for taxpayers with income topping $200,000.He also vowed to "bring a responsible end to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq," a long-held stance, though he has remained vague on how or when.O'Rourke met with veterans in Tampa on Monday, two days before he's set to take part in the first debate of the 2020 presidential primaries that could help winnow a field that grew to 25 contenders over the weekend.He has been trying to shed an early impression that he's a policy lightweight compared to some rivals. In recent weeks he issue more detailed promises, and stepped up his pace of national TV appearances.The war tax proposal could help with outreach to progressives, a key part of the Democratic base.During three terms in Congress and in last year's Senate bid in Texas, the El Paso Democrat has called for an end to the U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a more cautious approach to entering new conflicts.  Continue reading...