Pooling their money this way has increased their power. The network almost single-handedly killed a border-adjustment tax that Speaker of the House Paul Ryan wanted to use as a way to pay for cuts to the corporate and individual rates. Then Americans for Prosperity spent more than $20 million to help pass the version of the tax bill that the Kochs liked, which brought the corporate rate down from 35 percent to 21 percent. Several former staffers of the Koch network now work in the administration, including White House legislative liaison Marc Short, ensuring the allied groups have a seat at the table.