Staff Reports
Just the News reported that Republican lawmakers are demanding answers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the destruction of over 30 million documents in March 2021. Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Jason Smith (R-MO) wrote a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, seeking clarification on the rationale behind this mass shredding.
According to an interview with Representative Schweikert, the destruction of these documents could have severe consequences for individuals who may need to access their tax records in the future. He expressed concern about not being able to obtain copies of filed documents or make necessary amendments due to their unavailability. Schweikert emphasized the need to understand why this happened and ensure that such a situation does not occur again in the future.
Republicans Demand Answers After IRS Destroys Over 30 Million Documentshttps://t.co/Kz1LrXuIEU
— ????Josh Dunlap???? ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) July 31, 2023
In the opinion of Representative Schweikert, the IRS has failed to provide satisfactory explanations for the document destruction, and it remains unclear whether this was an institutional policy or an isolated incident. He further voiced his interest in finding out exactly what type of documents were destroyed and why. The requested memorandum could shed light on these aspects and help resolve the matter.
Schweikert highlighted that the response he expects from the IRS should go beyond a simple admission of error. He believes taxpayers deserve a comprehensive explanation of the situation, along with assurance that steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence. Additionally, he expressed concern about compensating those taxpayers whose documents have now disappeared.
It is worth noting that the IRS has previously ignored congressional requests for more information about this issue. The IRS has a history of being weaponized against political adversaries, as Just the News pointed out. It has been used as a tool for political retribution, dating back to the 1930s under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The targeting of political opponents and enemies has been an ongoing scandal, including during the Obama administration. The involvement of Jack Smith, who later became Biden’s Special Counsel into Donald Trump, in some IRS wrongdoings is particularly alarming.
In conclusion, Republican lawmakers are rightfully concerned about the destruction of over 30 million documents by the IRS. They seek answers regarding the reasons behind this mass shredding and want to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The IRS’s history of being used against political dissidents raises further doubts about the motives behind this action. Transparency and accountability are crucial to restoring trust in the IRS and protecting the rights of taxpayers.
