Republicans embarrass themselves

Tax-return-privacy-gate has Republicans in retreat


Ernest Istook (R-OK): "I didn't write it; I didn't approve it; I wasn't even consulted. My name shouldn't be associated with it, because I had nothing to do with it, and didn't even know about it until after the bill was done and was filed."

This thing is just delicious. With all of the power and glory of their new perceived voter mandate, Republicans in both the House and Senate of the United States Congress are running away from their own taxpayer anti-privacy provision like a herd of elephants with their tails between their legs.

According to a story in the New York Times, Representative Ernest Istook, the Republican from Oklahoma who occupies the Chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee, "was responsible for the insertion of the tax provision in the 3,000-page, $388 billion legislation that provides financing for most of the government".

Read that story, then read the actual language they passed along with the massive bill, as quoted by Josh Marshall. See if you think the "tempest in a teapot" denials by those responsible for the lawmaking process are credible:

Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein. (emphasis added)

Marshall has an extensive thread going on this issue, of which the latest posting is here.

The Washington Post has a page A1 story today. This is fun to watch!