Earl Blumenauer: “Make no mistake, we're talking about uncollected taxes that are uncollected because of a systematic effort by this…”

“Make no mistake, we're talking about uncollected taxes that are uncollected because of a systematic effort by this Republican administration and a Republican Congress to undermine the ability of the IRS to do its job, cranking up the audits on the poorest of citizens while stopping the IRS from oversight of those who are more wealthy. As my good friend from North Dakota pointed out, we're talking about a 6 percent rate of return, when the independent officer, who has been set up within the IRS to give the independent judgment, has pointed out that this same $71 million would collect over 1.4 billion uncollected tax dollars. Independent observers know that investing in the IRS and its employees rather than unaccountable private contractors will get more money and will do so in a more humane fashion. It was shocking for the committee to listen to some of the phone calls, to the abuse that has been subjected to American taxpayers who are caught in the 'Alice in Wonderland' of these private collectors. I would urge my colleagues, if they have any doubt, to try an experiment. I have done this at home. I have met with CPAs, tax attorneys and with financial advisers. All of them suggest investing more in the IRS infrastructure to improve customer service, and it will collect more money.”