February 28, 2014                      
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

Rep. Carter fights to keep IRS out of public’s private life
House of Representatives passes 12 bills during Stop Government Abuse Week 

The IRS has no business in the private lives of Americans. That was the message sent this week by Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) and the House of Representatives, who passed 12 bills that will place restrictions on the IRS and other government agencies as part of Stop Government Abuse Week.

“This culture of cover-ups has to be stopped. We cannot allow government agencies like the IRS to illicitly probe into the lives of Americans. Our constitution is set up to prevent such government intrusion but it is clear this administration has no regard for the constitution,” said Congressman Carter, Chairman  of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. “This I why I have voted for legislation this week that will help regulate, investigate and stop these intrusions. I will not stand-down from this fight. My constituents will not be intimidated or bullied. My colleagues in the House and I will continue to fight to get answers and hold this administration accountable.”

Two of the bills Rep. Carter voted for this week are H.R. 3865 and H.R. 2531.

H.R. 3865, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014 will prohibit the IRS and Treasury from finalizing their proposed 501(c)(4) regulations for one year. Without H.R. 3865 and under the proposed rules, these organizations tax-exempt status would be jeopardized based on their engagement and work on non-profit GOTV efforts, candidate forums and voter registration drives efforts.

H.R. 2531, the Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act will prohibit the IRS from asking taxpayers about their religious, political or social beliefs.

Chairman Carter and his House colleagues also signed this letter, which was sent to Commissioner of the IRS, The Honorable John A. Koskinen.