Kansas Common Sense - IRS Targeting

Statement

Dear Friend,

Welcome to "Kansas Common Sense." Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

IRS Targeting: Pursuing Answers to the Many Questions Americans Have
The politicization of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not a conservative or liberal issue. No matter your political stripes -- the revelations that surfaced this week of the IRS' intentional targeting of groups based on their political leanings are highly offensive. On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released a report detailing the targeting of applications for conservative groups seeking tax exempt status based solely on the presence of political buzzwords such as "tea party" and/or "patriot" listed in the application. TIGTA's formal recognition that this entirely inappropriate protocol took place gives real credibility to numerous reports over the last year that the IRS also "inadvertently" released donor information from conservative groups -- and that information ended up in the hands of political opponents. I believe this is one more facet of a scandal that is not going away anytime soon.

I am a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the budgets of the Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service. Last Wednesday, May 8, I questioned Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller in this committee directly about the troubling evidence that the IRS illegally released donor lists for partisan political purposes.The release of nonprofit donor lists is not only highly illegal -- it is terribly damaging to our Democracy. To make matters worse, evidence suggests the groups that improperly received this information intended to use it for partisan political purposes. Even though publishing unauthorized tax returns or return information is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both, the group that received the information appears to have done just that. Less than 48 hours after I questioned Secretary Lew about this issue, the IRS apologized for the unfair targeting of conservative nonprofit applicants.

I have further questions as to whom and how protected Schedule B donor lists were released to the political opponents of targeted conservative groups. In a formal written inquiry to Secretary Lew and Acting Commissioner Miller, I questioned the extent of the improper release of these documents by IRS employees as well as the status of any pending criminal investigation into the political groups who knowingly published this legally protected information.

Every American should expect even-handed treatment by the Internal Revenue Service -- and that clearly is not the IRS we have. I look forward to receiving answers from the Administration.

Discussing Importance of Medical Research with NIH Chiefs

On Wednesday, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Labor-Health-Education Subcommittee hearing on the Administration's Fiscal Year 2014 budget request for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I serve as the lead Republican of this subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over funding for NIH -- the focal point of our nation's health research infrastructure. NIH Director Francis Collins and several of NIH's institute chiefs were the witnesses at this hearing, so it presented a good opportunity to visit with them about the medical research advances that are enabling Americans to live longer, healthier lives as well as the challenges currently facing our nation's role as a global biomedical research leader.

Science and research are the foundation of innovation, growth in our economy, and the solution to the myriad of issues that confront the health and well-being of our nation. Because of our sustained commitment to biomedical research, U.S. cancer death rates are now falling 1 percent each year, with each 1 percent decline saving our nation about $500 billion. U.S. death rates from heart disease and stroke have declined more than 60 percent in the last half-century. And, between 1997 and 2006, the death rate among adults with diabetes declined by 23 percent.

While health advances are paramount, the reduction of health care costs in the future may be one of the most significant contributions medical research can make to society. As baby boomers age, the cost of health care will continue to increase. For example, data shows that the cost of dementia care is projected to double over the next 30 years, surpassing health care expenses for both heart disease and cancer. Without a way to prevent, cure, or effectively treat dementia, it will be difficult -- if not impossible -- to rein in costs. But science has enabled us to confront similar health care challenges in the past and prevailed.

As we confront difficult spending choices over the next few years, I believe we must prioritize our federal commitment to NIH. It is crucial that our next generation of biomedical researchers -- those who will develop better and more cost-effective health care -- remain in the scientific research field. Without continued investment in the NIH, we jeopardize our current scientific progress, risk losing a generation of scientists, and stunt our nation's global competitiveness. This is not the time to waiver on America's commitment to the NIH and the health of all Americans.

Working to Make Certain Veterinarians Can Fully Practice Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarians play a crucial role in public safety and making certain animals in Kansas and across the country are cared for properly. That is why on Wednesday, I introduced the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act -- bipartisan legislation to allow veterinarians to legally carry and dispense controlled substances necessary to protect the health and welfare of the nation's animals, ensure public safety, and safeguard the nation's food supply. This legislation is particularly important for veterinarians who work in rural areas, conduct research, or respond to emergency situations. Companion legislation, H.R. 1528, was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Visiting with the Kansas Honor Flight

On Thursday, I welcomed Kansas veterans making their first visit to the World War II Memorial as part of the Honor Flight program. One gentleman fought at Bastogne and another survived the Bataan Death March. All of them played such important roles in achieving a common goal of preserving our freedom and values. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit with them and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The day reinforces my commitment to working for a better country for future generations.

Celebrating National Police Week

This week was National Police Week, in which we honor the service of our peace officers and take time to remember in a special way those who died in the line of duty. This past year, Kansas tragically lost two brave men, Officer Jeff Atherly and Corporal David Gogian, both of the Topeka Police Department. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt for the loss of these two men. I spoke with Officer Atherly's parents, loved ones, and fellow officers in my office on Thursday to convey my condolences for their loss. The goodness and strength of those closest to Officer Atherly was apparent, and I am appreciative of them taking the time to visit with me and share their stories.

A candlelight vigil was held Monday at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and a memorial service was held at the Capitol on Wednesday. Back home in Kansas, flags were at half-staff in honor of the fallen. This week serves as a reminder of the danger so many men and women face in protecting our communities -- a fact that we should not lose sight of in our daily lives -- and I am deeply grateful for their service.

Touring Cashco, Inc. in Ellsworth

On Friday, I had the opportunity to tour and meet with staff from Cashco, Inc. in Ellsworth. It is companies like Cashco that exemplify the resiliency and pride of Kansas. In 1984, instead of letting Cashco be sold and closed, a group of local investors organized by-then Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, came together to purchase and retain this important company for the benefit of the Ellsworth community. As a manufacturer of a broad line of regulators and valves, as well as of fuel burning parts for Riley Stoker Corporation, Cashco continues to be an integral part of Ellsworth County and Central Kansas. Thanks to Cashco General Manager Clint Rogers for the invitation, the opportunity to learn more about the good things happening in our state, and discussing the issues in Washington effecting this and other small businesses.

Paola High School Graduation

On Saturday I was honored to speak at Paola High School's Commencement, where we celebrated the 125th anniversary of the school. I challenged the class to become people of character who pursue excellence and put others first. I left them with a few words spoken by one of Kansas' most famous sons -- President Dwight D. Eisenhower -- to a gathering of college students more than half a century ago: "Sooner or later the day will come when the decisions which control the affairs of your community, your nation, your world, must be made by another generation -- yours. The nation's future is what you make it… I have faith in America's young men and women, and in the future they will build."

I wish all the 2013 graduates true success, marked not only by your achievements but by the kind of person you become. Thanks to Superintendent Judy Welter, Assistant Superintendent Matt Meek, Principal Phil Bressler, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jeff Hines, and to graduate Zach Trigg, who was a Senate Page in the spring of 2012, for the invitation to speak.

Miami County Multi Chambers Business After Hours

While in Kansas I enjoyed visiting with chamber members about the issues in Washington, D.C. at the 2nd Annual Miami County Multi Chambers Business After Hours. It was held at the Jayhawk Marina at Hillsdale Lake which is owned by entrepreneurs who are growing a recreational business enjoyed by many. Thanks to the Miami County Chambers, including Osawatomie, Paola, Louisburg and Spring Hill for hosting a great event.

Now Accepting 2013 Service Academy Applications

Even as students are beginning their summer breaks, I want to remind them of the opportunity to apply to a United States Service Academy. Appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, is one of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator.

To find out the requirements and apply, please download an application from my website or contact my Olathe office. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by September 6, 2013. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board, which will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene.

Source