Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump’s choice for leading the IRS, former Rep. Billy Long, is seen as a potential risk by political observer Eleanor Clift.
– Billy Long has a controversial past due to his promotion of a problematic pandemic-era tax credit.
– Critics suggest that if Long’s nomination successfully passes Senate confirmation, it could spell trouble for Biden’s revival efforts for the IRS.
Understanding the Controversy Around Billy Long
President-elect Donald Trump has picked former Missouri Representative Billy Long to helm the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This selection has raised eyebrows amongst political enthusiasts, with experienced political observer Eleanor Clift voicing strong concerns. Clift has criticized Long as being underqualified, going so far as to call his appointment a potential danger to the IRS.
Why Billy Long?
A former auctioneer and avid poker player, Long is seen as an unconventional choice for such a vital role. His past actions have caused concerns, particularly his support and active promotion of a widely misused pandemic tax credit shortly after leaving Congress in 2023. Clift has likened his appointment to the notorious analogy of a fox guarding a henhouse.
Pandemic-Era Tax Credit Scandal
When Long left Congress, he became involved in a tax credit scheme that was originally intended to cost the government $55 billion. However, as Long championed the program with fervor, its popularity skyrocketed and costs spiraled out of control. It’s shockingly estimated that the final cost of the program could potentially be a staggering $500 billion. This massive discrepancy has caused major doubts about Long’s motives and suitability for the IRS chief role.
IRS Top Pick for Manipulation?
Not everyone is against Long; his no-nonsense approach and directness are seen as assets by some. But tax expert Brendan Duke from the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, warns that the IRS is often viewed as an ideal platform for targeting political adversaries. He further emphasizes that Long’s nomination has gone largely unnoticed by the media, making it more dangerous as it skirts through the confirmation process unnoticed.
What does This Mean for President Biden?
President Biden has been praised for his commitment to revitalize the IRS by increasing its budget by $80 billion. However, this effort has been thwarted by Republicans. Should Long be confirmed, Clift warns this could be the final blow to Biden’s goal of IRS reform. If this happens, she predicts a likelihood of Republicans attempting to claw back the remaining funds.
The Road Ahead
The Senate confirmation is the final hurdle Billy Long needs to clear to take charge of the IRS. If confirmed, his fiscal policies and decisions would significantly impact future tax-related interventions and reforms. Skepticism surrounds his potential reign at the IRS, highlighting the need for further scrutiny of his qualifications and suitability. Will he bring positive changes or push the IRS into murky waters? Only time will tell, but the concerns and warnings raised by critics like Eleanor Clift and Brendan Duke bear careful consideration.