The committee chairs were very powerful people, especially in the House. Of these Ways and Means, where tax legislation originated, is probably the most import

The committee chairs were very powerful people, especially in the House. Of these Ways and Means, where tax legislation originated, is probably the most important. Wilbur Mills, who was chair for 20 years, was a very important person indeed. Easy amendments: While often not exactly amendments, the ballot propositions in various states function in the same way; usually, as you say, "[the] law is assuredly badly written, and full of unintended consequences".