Byron Dorgan: “in the IRS Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, we mandated specific goals for the IRS to meet in terms of taxpayer…”

“in the IRS Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, we mandated specific goals for the IRS to meet in terms of taxpayer assistance and IRS performance. However, we continue to deny the IRS the resources it needs to meet these mandated goals. This is an administration concern, and it is my concern as well. We must do better by the IRS--if not on this bill--then in subsequent legislation. It is important that we maintain the concept and provision of ``service'' by the Internal Revenue Service. I am pleased we were able to fund the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign at last year's level of $185 million. While this is still $10 million less than requested by the administration, it represents a continued commitment to getting the message to our young people that drugs can kill. To date we have appropriated over $500 million for the media campaign--with mixed results. We had two hearings this year on the campaign where many of these concerns were raised. While it remains a somewhat controversial program, I will continue to work with the chairman and others ensure that the campaign bears identifiable and quantifiable results. Finally, I am pleased that the conference report fully funds the administration's requests for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to enforce existing gun laws.”