C. W. Bill Young: “I regret that some have misinterpreted section 222 in the omnibus bill. The administration had requested an…”

“I regret that some have misinterpreted section 222 in the omnibus bill. The administration had requested an unprecedented increase to hire additional staff for the IRS's processing and enforcement activities. Because of this more than $500 million increase in funds, the subcommittee felt it necessary to conduct proper oversight. The provision was simply an attempt to exercise our constitutional stewardship of the IRS's budget request, with no intention to review or investigate individual tax returns. This intent was clearly communicated in a colloquy with the chairman of Ways and Means Committee during Saturday's floor debate. In order to allow oversight of these funds without infringing upon individual's privacy, the subcommittee requested that IRS draft the language. Two days prior to the bill being considered by the House, 17 staff members from the House and the Senate, Republicans and Democrats, read through every word of the subcommittee's bill and report. Clearly, there was never any desire to access personal information and it's unfortunate that some have misrepresented and exaggerated the purpose of this language. Nevertheless, I support the removal of the provision to end the confusion surrounding the issue.”