Bill Pascrell: “So let's get this amendment straight. This bill would have the IRS work with the National Taxpayer Advocate, in addition…”

“So let's get this amendment straight. This bill would have the IRS work with the National Taxpayer Advocate, in addition to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, as I read it correctly, in coming up with a customer service plan. Sounds good. However, you forget to mention one thing, Mr. Chairman, because the National Taxpayer Advocate and the Treasury Inspector General Tax Administrator have publicly stated, for the record, that the severe budget cuts enacted by the other side, Mr. Chairman, in Congress have forced the IRS to reduce its workforce, reduce training, reduce technology, and that these steps have weakened the ability to enforce the Nation's tax laws--is that what you are looking for?--and serve taxpayers effectively. They said it, I didn't. You can't make this stuff up. So, instead of forcing the IRS to work with the National Taxpayer Advocate, why don't we, in Congress, listen to them, and fund the IRS so it can do its job? This is the height of misdirection. I am only going by the words you have in this amendment. And I will tell you, they have made a statement very loud and clear to all of us. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford). The amendment was agreed to. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended. The amendment was agreed to. The Acting CHAIR.…”