[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             REFORM THE IRS

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                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of congressional efforts to reign in and reform the Internal 
Revenue Service [IRS]. Many Americans believe that the IRS is an agency 
that is out of control. Far too often we hear reports that this agency 
terrorizes and threatens taxpayers. While many of the IRS's problems 
are admittedly linked to our far-too-complicated Tax Code, the agency's 
shameful mistreatment of taxpayers has other roots, as well. Instead of 
working on their behalf, the IRS treats too many taxpayers as criminals 
who are presumed guilty unless they can prove their own innocence. 
Unfortunately, because most Americans lack sufficient resources to 
fight the IRS in court, the agency's actions are often financially 
devastating to families and businesses.
  That is why I have cosponsored the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act 
of 1997, introduced by Congressman Rob Portman, Republican, of Ohio. 
Our bill would implement the recommendations of the year-long National 
Commission on Restructuring the IRS, in order to provide taxpayers new 
protections and rights to assist in dealing with this overzealous 
agency. By improving customer service, expanding taxpayer rights, and 
overhauling the IRS's management structure, this legislation would 
provide badly needed long-term solutions to the problems that too many 
Americans experience with the IRS.
  Most importantly, the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 would 
completely overhaul the Tax Code. Since the last major simplification 
of the Tax Code was passed in 1986, 4,000 amendments have been added to 
the Tax Code. A fairer, simpler, single-rate Tax Code offers the best 
hope for ending the IRS as we know it. But until tax simplification is 
in place, we need to take steps to correct these very real abuses and 
protect our constituents and taxpayers. That is why I strongly urge 
this Congress to take swift action to enact the IRS Restructuring and 
Reform Act of 1997.

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