[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           TAXPAYERS IN TAX COURT MUST PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE

  (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, Chris and Pat Rowenhorst: They own a pawn 
shop, they owe the IRS $70,000. They had monthly payments, never missed 
a payment.
  The IRS showed up one day, and two agents said, ``I want it all right 
now.'' The Rowenhorsts cited their rights, and out of frustration said, 
``What do you want me to do, kill myself so you can collect the 
insurance to pay these taxes?'' The next thing he knew he was jailed 
because they said he threatened Federal agents.
  Thank God, he had a surveillance camera that proved he did not 
threaten those agents.
  What is going on, Congress? This is out of control. American 
taxpayers are at times treated like dogs. Because Jeffrey Dahmer is 
innocent when he goes to court, a mass murderer, but a taxpayer in a 
tax court is guilty and has to prove their innocence.
  Shame, Congress. It is time to change that. Discharge petition No. 
12, let us bring it to the floor and have a people's vote.

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