Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say a few words about the fiscal year 2017 Financial Services Appropriations Act. I have been privileged to serve on the subcommittee since the beginning of the 114th Congress. I first want to commend the excellent work of Chairman Crenshaw, who will be retiring at the end of this Congress, Ranking Member Serrano, as well as the staffs of both the majority and the minority. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose this bill on final passage for a number of reasons. For example, I know that it is not the most popular or even the most politically wise thing to defend the Internal Revenue Service, but it does not make any sense to complain about the work of the IRS and then slash its ability to function by cutting its budget $246 million below the FY 2016 level and $1.4 billion below the President's budget request. Severe budget cuts have led to fewer audits, longer appeals, delayed refunds, and poorer service for the American people. It has also led to billions of dollars in lost tax revenue, money that could be used to repair our Nation's infrastructure or reduce the deficit. Instead, the cuts have only served to line the pockets of tax cheats, people who can't be audited and have collection by the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayer Services, however, does get funding at the amount requested, which is a positive step for turning around the IRS' customer service issues.…”