On Friday, I named 22 congressmen who had taken “The Pledge” not to vote for higher taxes, but who did just that by supporting the House Farm Bill, which includes a tax increase on the U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies. One of those named, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), objected to this characterization. His communications director argued that Fortenberry had not broken the pledge because he had not signed it for the 110th Congress but only for the 109th.

Having posted Fortenberry’s explanation on Friday, I add to the record the response given today by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), which administers the pledge:

All candidates and incumbents who sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge understand it is a commitment to their constituents for the duration of their service in that particular job. This is made clear in writing to every signer… Mr. Fortenberry also broke his Pledge to the people of Nebraska when he voted for the Democrats’ taxes on energy (HR 6) in January of this year.

A reader comments further on Fortenberry’s explanation:

Just so I have this straight… Rep. Fortenberry signed the ATR pledge before the 109th Congress, knowing full well he’d probably never have to vote contrary to the pledge, but declined before the 110th Congress, knowing full well he’d probably often have to vote contrary to the pledge. What courage.

In Fortenberry’s defense, his voting record is pretty good (lifetime ACU rating after one term: 88). He represents a large chunk of rural Nebraska where support for farm socialism is irresistable. He has also been an incredible improvement over his predecessor, Rep. Doug Bereuter (R., Neb.). But yeah, it’s pretty disappointing.