Top row: Chairman Jenkins and Ranking Member Lewis. Bottom row, left to right: Reps. Jason Smith, Steve Chabot, Peter Roskam and Jim Renacci, Carlos Curbelo

The Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee on Tuesday held a Member Day hearing focused on legislation to improve the administration of our nation’s tax code. The hearing featured Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle presenting specific proposals to improve accountability, transparency, and customer support at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), among other important reforms to help and protect hardworking taxpayers.

As Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) explained in her opening statement:

“Today is a unique opportunity for us to hear from colleagues about their legislative ideas and priorities related to reforming the IRS…. I am looking forward to exploring ways to restore the relationship between taxpayers and the IRS and help the agency better administer the tax code.”

Chairman Jenkins added:

“Over the last year, through more than 10 formal committee events, this Subcommittee has heard from high-level IRS executives, the National Taxpayer Advocate, and agency watchdogs such as GAO and TIGTA on how the IRS is functioning and where they are succeeding and where some assistance may be necessary…. I am looking forward to working with Ranking Member Lewis to address these concerns and others as we craft a bill to reform the IRS.”

During his opening statement, Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member John Lewis (D-GA) highlighted the importance of protecting taxpayers from identity theft and fraud while also ensuring that the IRS provides high-quality customer service:

“Madame Chair, as you know, we have a voluntary tax system that depends on taxpayers understanding their responsibility and receiving timely answers to their questions. Unfortunately, identity theft and tax fraud continue to challenge tax administration.”

In addition to Chairman Jenkins and Ranking Member Lewis, the following Members testified during Tuesday’s hearing:

• David Schweikert
• Jackie Walorski
• Carlos Curbelo
• Mike Bishop
• Darin LaHood
• Tom Reed
• Peter Roskam
• Jim Renacci
• Jason Smith
• Tom Rice
• Steve Chabot
• Louie Gohmert
• Bill Posey

CLICK HERE for more information on Tuesday’s Oversight Subcommittee Member Day hearing.

CLICK HERE for the video of the hearing.