On Thursday, the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate confirmed Billy Long as the head of the Internal Revenue Service, despite facing significant scandal during his nomination. Long had previously sought to eliminate the IRS altogether while serving in Congress.
All Republican Senators supported President Donald Trump’s nomination for Long, who has been implicated in allegations of promoting fraudulent tax credits and is reportedly linked to two separate bribery schemes.
Before the vote, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) spoke against Long’s leadership, stating that he would contribute to tax fraud, corruption, and cover-ups. Wyden, who is a senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, mentioned in a letter he sent to White House Chief Susie Wills that there were troubling concerns regarding the FBI’s background check of Long.
“The publicly available information raises serious questions about personal misconduct that warrants an in-depth investigation,” Wyden wrote. He pointed out that, according to court documents, Long is implicated in a bribery conspiracy involving a medical company in Missouri during his congressional tenure, which has led to the convictions of over 12 individuals including politicians and businessmen.
Democrats have also highlighted the suspicious timing of donations from seven companies to Long’s 2022 Senate Campaign following his IRS nomination.
“This should be straightforward,” Wyden remarked. “A history of corruption surrounds former Congressman Billy Long.”
Long, while serving Missouri’s 7th Congressional District, co-sponsored legislation aimed at eliminating the IRS and proposed a federal income tax repeal, suggesting a national sales tax instead.
Americans for Tax Equity (ATF), a progressive advocacy group, criticized Long’s confirmation, arguing that it opens the door for wealthy tax evaders. They expressed concern that Trump and Senate Republicans have effectively rewarded billionaires who support their party by nominating someone who holds extreme views on tax policy and lacks concern for working families.
Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, echoed fears that tax evasion has been bolstered by Long’s confirmation. She stated, “Billy Long has a demonstrated history of making it easier for the wealthy and businesses to avoid paying taxes.” Gilbert remarked on the irony of Long leading an agency he sought to dismantle, which is intended to combat tax cheating.
Gilbert concluded, “While Wall Street may cheer his confirmation, this is unfortunate for the average American.”
