Hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Lewis, Hearing on ax Return Filing Season

Hearing

"Good Morning. I would like to thank the Chair for calling today's hearing. I would also like to thank the Commissioner and other witnesses for being here today.

"Many of you know that this has been a difficult year for the IRS. Identity theft is on the rise, and millions of taxpayers are being harmed. At the same time, Republicans continue to ask the agency to do more with less. I have said before, and I will say again, "You cannot squeeze blood from a turnip."

"As one who has served on this Committee for a long time, I am particularly concerned about the new Republican mandate that directs the agency to use private debt collectors. We have been down this road before. It is a waste, a distraction, and a disservice to American taxpayers. Previous private debt collection pilot programs cost more than they collected. Taxpayers were harassed, not helped.

"Across the country, there is an increase in identity theft. Many of you read the news or have family and friends who have been victims. There are already many criminals impersonating the IRS. They seek to cheat taxpayers out of their hard-earned money. Confusion about whether the private debt collectors were acting for the IRS or were criminals was a problem ten years ago. With more predators and criminals, the program is bound to do more harm than good. Bringing back private debt collection is a mistake, and it should be repealed.

"Congress should focus on giving the IRS the tools it needs to serve taxpayers. Since 2010, funding for the IRS has been cut by around $1 billion. Last week, the Republicans on this Committee passed a bill to cut it by $400 million more each year. These budget cuts have resulted in the loss of 12,000 jobs, reduced employee training, and delayed computer system upgrades.

"Last week, I was joined by the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Democrats in introducing the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016. This legislation responds to recent recommendations from the National Taxpayer Advocate. My bill also includes good policy ideas offered by other Committee Members like Mr. Pascrell and Mr. Becerra.

"This legislation is good, common-sense policy. In addition to fighting identity theft and strengthening taxpayer protections, our bill would fully fund the President's FY17 request for taxpayer services; increase funding for low-income taxpayer clinics; and repeal the terrible private tax-debt collections programs. This bill is right, and it is timely. I hope that it will receive the consideration of the full Committee and the full Congress as soon as possible.

"Mr. Chairman, again I thank you for calling today's hearing. I hope that we will see more Subcommittee activity on how to better serve and support American taxpayers. I look forward to hearing from today's witnesses. Thank you."

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