Sam Gibbons: “we can control disease in America, but we cannot control the IRS. Here we go again, and as my mother used to say, same…”

“we can control disease in America, but we cannot control the IRS. Here we go again, and as my mother used to say, same song, just a different verse. The IRS has found a new way to abuse the American taxpayer. This time they are reneging on an agreement with the restaurant industry. After complaining for years that they are not able to tax the tips earned by hard-working restaurant employees, the IRS proposed a new voluntary taxation plan. Restaurants could, but were by no means obligated to, use this method of recording this income. To nobody's surprise, the IRS has now resorted to intimidation, threatening audits on any business that does not follow their extortionary demands. This type of harassment must end. Fortunately, the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 will prohibit this abuse of power. Yes, Mr. Speaker, today is a new day, and we need a new IRS. The time has come to restore the common sense and accountability of this country's tax collection agency.”