Taxpayer First Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Representative Kelly, for bringing this to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1957, the Taxpayer First Act. This bipartisan bill redesigns and modernizes the IRS for the first time in 21 years and focuses on improving the agency's service to taxpayers.

As the only former State treasurer in the House, I understand the need for the country's tax administration agency to adopt a mission of customer service and to help taxpayers retrieve information, resolve issues, and make payments.

This bill accomplishes these goals in several ways. First, it establishes an independent appeals process so that taxpayers are treated fairly. It provides for easier electronic submission of tax return forms, and it strengthens the IRS ability to combat identity theft. It also requires the agency to submit to Congress plans to further improve efficiency and customer service.

Altogether, the Taxpayer First Act provides needed, commonsense, and overdue reforms to the IRS.

I thank my fellow Ways and Means Committee members for working to bring this bill to the floor.

Today's vote is a culmination of several years of work and numerous hearings and discussions, including passing this bill in the House during last Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill.

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