WASHINGTON, D.C. – Without the robust oversight conducted by Ways and Means Republicans during the 118th Congress, the American people would have never learned the truth about the Biden family’s influence peddling scheme, what is fueling the pervasive culture of antisemitism on college campuses across the country, and the pressing need for stronger protections against future taxpayer data thefts and leaks.
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) released a fact sheet today on the Committee’s oversight efforts this Congress, along with the following statement, “Since day one of my chairmanship I have been committed to holding the Biden-Harris Administration accountable. Through our persistent efforts and the bravery of whistleblowers both inside and outside of government, the Ways and Means Committee has effectively held the Administration’s feet to the fire for the last two years. We have also worked tirelessly to ensure institutions and organizations that benefit from our tax code are not engaging in or condoning illegal or inappropriate activities.”
Oversight of the Biden-Harris Administration: 3 Key Moments
BIDEN FAMILY BUSINESS DEALINGS
- Two IRS Whistleblowers directly involved in the Hunter Biden tax evasion case presented evidence of how the Biden-Harris Justice Department obstructed the investigation by:
- Delaying IRS Investigators from taking needed steps in their investigation, including shielding Joe Biden when investigators wanted to ask about him;
- Divulging key information about the investigation to Hunter Biden’s attorneys; and
- Denying search warrants and approval to bring charges — multiple times.
Key Committee Action:
- Held 4 executive sessions to release thousands of pages of evidence highlighting the preferential treatment the Biden’s received and showing Hunter Biden lied under oath to Congress;
- Filed a brief in federal court that helped collapse Hunter Biden’s sweetheart plea deal, leading to Hunter eventually pleading guilty to nine charges including three felonies; and
- Published a 291-page report detailing extensive evidence uncovered during the investigation.
ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
- Investigated the explosion of antisemitism at the nation’s top universities and exposed:
- Weak university leadership that failed to protect students or enforce campus policies and laws;
- Radical faculty who participated in and emboldened students to join antisemitic activity; and
- Foreign influence that helped fuel discriminatory activity on campus.
- The Committee has also demanded the revocation of the tax-exempt status of nine nonprofits that funded unlawful activities on campuses and in cities, including supporting terrorism.
Key Committee Action:
- Advanced 4 bills focused on University Accountability, support for American Students, penalties for civil rights violations, and removal of tax-exempt status of nonprofits supporting terrorism;
- Held 6 hearings to address concerns about the tax-exempt sector; and
- Sent 39 letters to universities and the Biden-Harris Administration demanding they act against use of tax-exempt funds to conduct illegal activity, promote antisemitism, and support terrorism.
THEFT OF CONFIDENTIAL TAXPAYER INFORMATION
- Uncovered the need for new deterrents after thousands of Americans had their tax information stolen, including that of President Trump’s by an IRS contractor.
Key Committee Action:
- Passed H.R. 8292, The Taxpayer Data Protection Act in the U.S. House to double penalties for those who steal taxpayer information;
- Successfully urged a federal court to sentence the IRS contractor to the maximum penalty; and
Pushed the Biden-Harris IRS to secure taxpayer data immediately and demanded accountability for the failures that led to this unprecedented breach of taxpayer trust.