As discussions are underway on Capitol Hill on a long-term budget deal, NTU is keeping a watchful eye on developments that could impact taxpayers. Speaker Mike Johnson has a deal reportedly to adhere to spending limits laid out in the Fiscal Responsibility Act that would cut the IRS's recent supersized budget and rescind billions of dollars in unspent COVID money.
NTU's Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold applauds these developments, and issued the following statement:
While no one is thrilled with the current situation, National Taxpayers Union applauds Speaker Johnson for his commitment to fiscal prudence demonstrated by securing further substantial cuts to the Fiscal Responsibility Act deal and his opposition to irresponsible government shutdowns. The additional $10 billion in cuts to the recently supersized IRS and the rescission of $6 billion in unspent Covid funds are strong examples of fiscal responsibility in a dire economic climate. NTU encourages House and Senate appropriators to follow this example and avoid using budgetary gimmicks to sneak in additional spending beyond the agreed-upon Fiscal Responsibility Act levels.
Additionally, this should be viewed as an opportunity for conservatives to rein in the Biden administration through the appropriations process. If they roll up their sleeves and get to work, they could stop the Department of Labor from running roughshod over small business owners. They could slow the Federal Trade Commission’s nonstop assault against private enterprise. And they could curb the off-the-rails Internal Revenue Service, which is trying to create a highly concerning tax preparation service despite a lack of statutory authority.
None of these gains can be achieved if frustrated conservatives decide to “take their ball and go home.” It’s time to get to work on behalf of the American taxpayer.
For more information on the developing budget deal from NTU's leading government affairs team, please contact Kevin Glass, NTU Vice President of Communications, at 703-299-8670 or at kglass@ntu.org