Kevin Brady: “I thank the chairman and Dave Camp for leading this effort to protect our free speech. Whenever someone in Washington…”

“I thank the chairman and Dave Camp for leading this effort to protect our free speech. Whenever someone in Washington tells you don't worry, it is not really about free speech, trust me, it is. A lot of Americans are frightened by the thought that their government would target them based on their political beliefs, and I am convinced the darkest days in America's history have been when the government has tried to silence the voices of those who disagree with it. We suffered under this intimidation during the civil rights era, under the antiwar era, and now today, because conservative organizations, constitutional organizations, some who simply want to make the country better and have that voice, are now being targeted. Make no mistake. This is not about clearing up confusion. This is about intimidation. This is about the government using one of the most powerful agencies it has, the IRS, the only agency that can destroy your life, your family, your business' life with their immense power, targeting people because of their political beliefs. If you talk about what is free speech, I would point to this: look at organizations back home in your community. Those who want to do get out to vote, so go vote and have your voices heard. Voter registration, candidate forms, let's find out what elected officials and candidates feel about the issues. Then just grassroots lobbying, letting their neighbors, their communities, their members understand the issues and weigh in.…”