Doggett Expresses Concern About Working Conditions for Austin IRS Employees

Statement

U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, responded to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requiring its employees who are answering phones, processing mail, and other "mission-critical work" to end telework and resume on-site duties in Austin, as soon as tomorrow, Sunday, without assuring that they will be provided personal protective equipment (PPE):

"President Trump's inability to provide protective gear for his own employees is yet another instance where his cascading Administration failures are needlessly threatening lives. While employees are compelled to do "mission-critical work,' the Trump Administration does not consider it critical to assure them a safe workplace. I have previously received a number of complaints from local IRS employees about failures to assure their safety during this pandemic. The IRS received $750 million in the CARES Act, which should be more than sufficient to offer its employees a safe workplace.

Lacking testing and protective gear, undermining stay-at-home orders: Trump, who claims to be all-powerful, continues to shirk any responsibility. This abrupt announcement, compelling each employee to provide their own protective gear, raises pressing questions about whether IRS is prepared to implement appropriate social distancing and other safety measures. Ultimately, this could endanger not only the affected employees and their families, but also the mission-critical work of the IRS."

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