Taxpayer First Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Taxpayer First Act, the first package of IRS reforms that Congress has considered since 1998.

This bipartisan bill takes broad steps to improve the taxpayer experience by making the filing process easier and more efficient. It also strengthens the IRS' ability to combat identity theft and refund fraud. These are issues that create worry and stress for our constituents, and I am proud that we are acting swiftly to bring relief.

This bill also tamps down on the program that allows the IRS to outsource debt collection to private contractors. These contractors often use many aggressive tactics to pressure the poorest and most vulnerable among us, forcing them to make payments even if they can't afford it. This creates economic hardship for families who would otherwise qualify for alternative payment plans by the IRS. What is worse, it costs the U.S. Treasury more than the money it brings in. I believe it should be abolished for good, but this bill reaches a strong compromise to ensure the poorest are no longer targeted.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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