WASHINGTON, DC—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) blasted the failures and lawlessness of the Trump Administration after it was reported that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) improperly disclosed confidential taxpayer information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
“The Trump Administration just committed a grave crime against taxpayers, clearly showing why data sharing among agencies is not something to be undertaken lightly. Privacy is next to liberty in American values, and while the Trump Administration wants to claim this was an accident, we know this was their goal. They have no intent of following our laws, and they have made it clear that they don’t respect the humanity of their neighbors—it’s the hallmark of their agenda.
“If the president can sue the IRS for $10 billion over the disclosure of his information, these victims should too. I would expect to see my Republican counterparts approach the wrongdoing of those at the IRS or DHS who were involved in these illegal disclosures with the same vigor that they applied to those responsible for the illegal disclosure of President Trump’s tax returns. We will see if we hear anything but the familiar sound of crickets chirping out of their corner.
“Acting Commissioner Bessent sure has a lot of explaining to do, and Chairman Smith must immediately bring him before the Committee, as well as join Ways and Means Democrats in not only referring this matter to TIGTA but also opening a committee investigation.”
###
