Rod Grams: “before we vote on IRS Commissioner nominee Charles O. Rossotti, I'd like to take this opportunity to make a few remarks…”

“before we vote on IRS Commissioner nominee Charles O. Rossotti, I'd like to take this opportunity to make a few remarks about the direction IRS reform should take. But first let me commend Mr. Rossotti for his courage to take on this job. I believe with his expertise and experience in private business management, Mr. Rossotti is qualified to head the agency, and I am confident that he will help improve IRS services and management. Madam President, the American people have every right to be outraged by the disturbing details that emerged during 3 days of Senate hearings into the tax collection practices of the IRS. Testimony from taxpayers and current and former IRS officials provided chilling accounts of mistreatment, abuse of power, and the merciless trampling of citizens' rights. What's even more shocking is that these improper and illegal practices within the IRS aren't random occurrences--they happen regularly. For decades, IRS agents have routinely snooped through the supposedly confidential tax files of thousands and thousands of Americans. That could include me, or you. IRS agents are evaluated and promoted based on their total tax collections, a practice outlawed a decade ago. IRS managers often cover up abusive behavior by collection agents. In stark contrast to our legal system, all alleged tax debtors are assumed guilty and treated as criminals.”