On the recordJuly 17, 2018
With access to millions of Americans' personal information, the IRS is one of the most powerful agencies in Washington. Unsurprisingly, the agency has failed to secure that information from abuse. That is why I was pleased to see the Treasury Department announce it will no longer require certain tax-exempt organizations to file personally identifiable information about their donors as part of their annual returns. While the House has taken steps to limit schedule B disclosures of the tax-exempt organizations, the latest announcement from the IRS will exempt some 45,000 nonprofits from the reporting rule, including conservative organizations, but also unions and social welfare groups. Today, one's political views can spark passion, hatred, even refusal of service at a restaurant. In an extreme case, your life may be threatened at baseball practice. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans should feel comfortable donating to a cause or candidate of their choice without living in fear of reprisal. I applaud the administration's recent action and encourage this Congress to join their effort and defend the First Amendment rights of every American. ____________________
