Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider IRS Commissioner

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nomination of Billy Long to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner.

As prepared for delivery:

“We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nomination of Congressman Billy Long to be Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“As we have done with other nominees, the meeting this morning will provide Members with the opportunity to offer remarks on Congressman Long’s nomination.  We will recess briefly following Member statements and then proceed to this morning’s nominations hearing.  We will notify Members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote on Congressman Long’s nomination. 

“At his hearing, Congressman Long outlined his vision to transform the IRS through systems modernization, a renewed focus on efficiency and a much-needed change in IRS culture. 

“If confirmed, I look forward to working with him to ensure the IRS focuses on helping American taxpayers to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities, and that it enforces the law with integrity and fairness to all.

“I was encouraged to hear Congressman Long clearly commit that ‘the IRS will not, [and] should not, be politicized on my watch.’

“I’d also like to thank Congressman Long for his time working through the Finance Committee’s rigorous nomination process, in addition to responding to a large amount of questions for the record.  At his hearing, and in his written responses, Congressman Long clearly affirmed that all of his tax consulting work was as an independent contractor for Capitol Edge Strategies.  He never performed work for White River or anyone else regarding Native American tribal tax credits.

“With respect to the contributions to his Senate campaign, Congressman Long stated time and again that he followed Federal Election Commission (FEC) guidelines.

“In sum, Congressman Long is uniquely suited to instill needed change at the IRS and I will vote in favor of his nomination.  I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

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