WASHINGTON, D.C.- Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) was briefed by IRS Commissioner Rettig on Monday afternoon regarding the massive leak of sensitive taxpayer information from the IRS to ProPublica.

After the call, Rep. Brady said:

“During my conversation with Commissioner Rettig, we shared our deep concerns over this serious breach of taxpayer trust.

“Commissioner Rettig assured me that an investigation is already underway by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration into the extent, severity, and source of the exposure of Americans’ personal financial information.

“At this time it’s unclear if TIGTA has requested the stolen data from ProPublica which will reveal the extent, means, and potential source of the criminal leak. Referrals have also been made to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

“I urged Commissioner Rettig to devote all possible resources to assist in the investigation, to safeguard current and past private tax returns, and to keep Congress informed in a timely way on developments in this issue including any evidence of political influence or motivations.”

Background:

• On June 8, 2021, ProPublica detailed income tax information to advance Democrats’ efforts to supercharge the IRS and turn your local bank into a tax auditor.
• On June 9, 2021, Rep. Brady and Senate Finance Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) wrote to Commissioner Rettig demanding answers on this serious data breach.
• On Thursday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m., Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, whose agency oversees the IRS, will testify before the House Ways and Means Committee.