Posted on 06/09/2015 6:01:23 AM PDT by Don Corleone
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the targeting of Conservative organizations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
Like many Americans, I am disturbed by the idea that the IRS would target groups for their political beliefs. These actions by the IRS have caused many to lose trust in the federal government and in the agency's ability to administer our nation's tax laws.
As you may know, in May 2013, the IRS Inspector General released a report stating that inappropriate criteria were used to identify 501(c)(4) status applications for review. According to IRS regulation at the time, these 501(c)(4) organizations were allowed to engage in political activities so long as they were not more than 50 percent of the organization's activities. The IRS, however, ignored their own guidance which led to the unfair targeting of these organizations. Following the release of the Inspector General report, there have been numerous Congressional hearings to investigate this serious matter.
Rather than restoring confidence in the American people, the IRS chose to issue new guidance broadly defining political activity. Under this definition, 501(c)(4) organizations would have continued to face limitations. I joined my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to IRS Commissioner Koskinen, raising concerns that "under the proposed definition, social welfare organizations would face limitations on their participation in even the most benign activity of non-partisan voter registration drives." However, in 2014, the IRS announced that it was not moving forward with the proposed rule after receiving tens of thousands of comments from concerned citizens. In addition, I am an original co-sponsor of S. 283, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act. This bill would prevent the IRS from modifying the standard for determining whether a 501(c)(4) organization is operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare in attempt to stop this unfair political targeting.
Rest assured that I will continue to push for a resolution to this serious problem. The American people deserve a solution that would prevent this type of activity by the federal government from ever happening again, preserves the First Amendment, and restores the people's trust in the institution of government.
Thank you again for contacting me with your concerns. I appreciate hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me again on this or any other matter of concern
My letter questioned special rights for illegal aliens. Their reply told me what he was doing to save social security . . . by blocking any proposed reforms.
The American governing elite in all three branches have successfully insulated themselves from the electorate. You are NOT IMPORTANT. Their power and lifestyle are the important things. Get over it comrade.
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