This week, the House marked Stop Government Abuse Week by approving a number of important bills designed to stop the government overreach that is infringing on the rights of citizens.
First and foremost, the House is moving to stop the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing proposed regulations on tax-exempt 501(c)(4) organizations. The Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act, H.R. 3865, would stop IRS’ latest efforts to muzzle conservative groups by maintaining the current IRS standards and policies that have been in effect since 2010.
If the IRS puts its proposed rule into effect, it could have a chilling effect on groups that have been formed for the purpose of educating citizens. The current rules and regulations permit these groups to conduct get-out-the-vote drives, hold candidate forums, and to distribute voter guides. The proposed changes would effectively restrict the right of these groups to engage in public discourse, even when it is conducted in a non-partisan manner. The Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act is designed to protect the Constitutional Rights of American citizens. I urge the Senate to quickly take up this bill and pass it.
