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Forbes Introduces Bill to Prevent Dramatic Expansion in Size and Authority of IRS

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Washington, Apr 15 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he has introduced a bill to prohibit a drastic expansion of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that it could cost as much as $10 billion to hire additional auditors, agents, and employees to enforce federally mandated healthcare plans on Americans. Congressman Forbes’ bill, the Prevent IRS Overreach Act would prohibit this dramatic expansion in the size and authority of the IRS.

There is no reason American taxpayers should be footing a $10 billion bill to fund potentially the largest expansion of the IRS since World War II, especially at a time when we're facing an avalanche of federal debt and an economic recession,” said Forbes. “The simple truth is that spending $10 billion for the government to force federally mandated healthcare on families and businesses will not initiate business growth or create lasting career opportunities for Americans. By prohibiting the funding of those new IRS employees, we will allow American taxpayers to keep their money and begin to draw a line in the sand on matters of unnecessary growth in government.”

As a result of the recently passed healthcare bill, new IRS personnel would be needed to force American families and businesses to provide proof of “government approved” healthcare and submit detailed information to comply with new excise taxes.

“Americans remember an era of IRS overreach and abuse and don’t want that time back.  Whether preventing 1,000 new IRS agents or 16,000 new agents as some have predicted, this bill is intended to stem the growth in big government’s control and authority in the lives of American citizens,” said Forbes.

Specifically, the Prevent IRS Overreach Act would prohibit the IRS from hiring, transferring, or appointing individuals for positions used to enforce provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act.

For more information on Congressman Forbes’ work to address unnecessary growth in government, click here.