Jason Smith: “I imagine the American people would be surprised and no doubt disappointed to learn that the very organization whose…”

“I imagine the American people would be surprised and no doubt disappointed to learn that the very organization whose mission it is to advocate on behalf of taxpayers relies on legal advice provided by attorneys who are employed by, and answer to, the IRS. It is a bizarre arrangement to be sure. The National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act will ensure that the attorneys serving the NTA are hired by her and accountable to her. This will also allow the Advocate's office to promote attorneys from within that organization, helping to retain their talent, experience, and expertise. Mr. Speaker, the Ways and Means Committee approved this legislation with unanimous consent, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 997, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.”