(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) introduced a bill prohibiting the federal government from employing those with seriously delinquent tax debts.  According to the most recent IRS data, as of 2011, more than 311,000 current and former federal employees owe more than $3.5 billion in unpaid federal taxes.        

“Instead of using the power of the state to silence and intimidate political opponents, the IRS should be focused on collecting taxes from people who are delinquent.  This bill helps fill a gap created by the IRS by prohibiting the federal government from employing tax cheats.  It’s wrong to force American families to fund the paychecks of federal employees who don’t feel like paying their taxes.  While most federal employees are hard-working and responsible citizens who pay their taxes, others are not.  According to the IRS, more than 300,000 federal employees and retirees are tax delinquent.  This bill also helps agencies avoid issuing indiscriminate furloughs by favoring employees who pay their taxes,” Dr. Coburn said.       

“In today’s tight budget environment, we need to ensure that we’re getting the most bang for our buck,” Senator Pryor said. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to foot the bill for federal employees who are delinquent. These employees—like the rest of America—need to pay their taxes or face the consequences. Our common-sense bill helps us meet this goal.”

Additional information here.

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