House Supports Greater Accountability of IRS

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed two bills, during its "Stop Government Abuse" legislative week, that would bring greater accountability and prevent abuse within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act (H.R. 2531) protects the first amendment rights of taxpayers by preventing the IRS from asking any questions about religious, political or social beliefs. In addition, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014 (H.R. 3865) delays the Department of Treasury and IRS from completing and imposing their proposed 501(c)(4) regulations that would limit first amendment rights.

"I am pleased that the House acted to protect the first amendment rights of all taxpayers by supporting measures to keep the IRS accountable," said Cole. "Regardless of political affiliation, all Americans have a reasonable expectation that their freedom of speech and religion shall be protected. Since it was first discovered that the IRS was purposefully targeting and scrutinizing some conservative and religious groups, America has watched the IRS scandal unfold while House committees have investigated and looked for ways to prevent repeat situations. Presenting and passing this legislation sends a clear message to the Administration that abuse of power and unfair scrutiny will not be tolerated."

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