IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 25, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC – Independent Women’s Voice applauds the House of Representatives for passing several key pieces of legislation last week to hold the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more accountable to taxpayers and to protect future abuse by reining in the agency’s power. The passage of these bills comes in the wake of Tax Day, which was April 18, bringing this year’s tax filing season to an end.

The bills passed in the House include:

Ensuring Congress Retains Oversight Over the IRS and Eliminating Spending

H.R. 4885, the IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending Act, introduced by Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) ensures Congressional oversight of IRS spending, and requires any IRS funds they received from user fees to go towards improving taxpayer services like reducing wait times and improving responsiveness to the American public.

Ensuring Integrity Within the IRS Workforce

H.R. 3724, the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act, introduced by Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) guarantees that only trusted IRS employees are able to handle sensitive taxpayer data. Specifically, the IRS would be prohibited from rehiring employees who were fired for misconduct, which includes accessing private taxpayer information without permission.

Banning Bonuses to IRS Employees

H.R. 4890, introduced by Congressman Pat Meehan (R-Pa) prohibits the IRS from paying out employee bonuses until the agency develops and implements a customer service plan. Banning IRS bonuses would force the agency to prioritize the needs of American taxpayers, and look for solutions to reducing wait times and improving the agency’s telephone service so callers are able to get through.

Holding IRS Employees to a Fair Standard

H.R. 1206, the No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act, introduced by Congressman David Rouzer (R-N.C.) verifies that IRS employees file and pay their taxes. The bill would freeze future hiring within the IRS until the Secretary of the Treasury confirms that no current IRS employees have significant personal tax debt.

The IRS continually proves to be unaccountable to those it claims to serve. It’s high time that IRS focus its mission on serving the American public by protecting sensitive personal information from hackers, by providing a higher level of customer service and by spending its dollars efficiently.

IWV endorses these legislative efforts as an important step to strengthening the oversight of and bringing more accountability to the IRS. These bills now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration where members should have no hesitation in reining in the agency’s power.

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Independent Women's Voice is a 501(c)(4) fights for women and families by expanding support for, and then winning, policy and political campaigns that advance prosperity, freedom, and greater choices. IWV is an affiliate organization of the Independent Women's Forum.

CONTACT: 
Victoria Coley
Communications Director | Independent Women's Voice
c 443.758.6077 | [email protected]