J.C. Watts: “during this dreaded week of headaches and frustration for the American taxpayer who has just finished or is still trying…”

“during this dreaded week of headaches and frustration for the American taxpayer who has just finished or is still trying to file their income tax forms to the IRS, I rise today in strong and enthusiastic support of H.R. 4163--The Taxpayer Bill of Rights. A common theme that we have pursued since attaining the majority in Congress has been to make government smarter, simpler, and fairer in its treatment of our citizens. We should never forget that we are here to serve the people, and not the other way around. In addition to our continuing efforts to explore ways to make the income tax a fairer and more equitable system, this Republican-led Congress has been working hard to make the Internal Revenue Service more responsive to the American taxpayer. It is essential, Mr. Speaker, that we continue to ensure that the IRS evolves into a responsive service organization for the 21st century, providing better service to the American taxpayer while ensuring that the IRS meets the highest standards for professionalism, accountability, and efficiency. H.R. 4163 is one more step on the road to reform that began just a few years ago when we enacted the IRS Reform and Restructuring Act in 1998. Today's bill, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, builds on this success by further simplifying the income tax filing and IRS appeal process, providing even more rights and protections to the American taxpayer, all while holding the IRS accountable for its actions.”