Deb Fischer: “I rise to speak out against the alarming reports that have recently surfaced by the IRS and the Department of Justice.…”

“I rise to speak out against the alarming reports that have recently surfaced by the IRS and the Department of Justice. As the Federal agency tasked with administering the U.S. Tax Code, the IRS has an extraordinary influence on the lives of all Americans, from all walks of life and all points of view. As citizens we have the absolute right to expect the IRS to be free from political influence, with taxpayers treated fairly and enforcement carried out in an unbiased manner. Unfortunately, in recent days we have learned our expectations are far adrift from reality. Last week the Internal Revenue Service acknowledged a history of targeting conservative politically active groups during their process of seeking tax-exempt status. This practice first involved flagging groups concerned about government spending and debt. Ironically, such targeting comes at a time when poll after poll indicates the Federal Government's out-of-control spending and our $17 trillion debt are top concerns for all Americans. I can tell my colleagues from my experience it is the top concern for Nebraskans. Despite these legitimate concerns and the patriotic desire of Americans to effect change in government, the IRS worked to impede these organizations with one of the bluntest instruments of government: regulatory abuse.…”