Senate Finance Committee Advances Billy Long Nomination to Lead IRS

President Donald Trump's nominee for Internal Revenue Service commissioner, former Rep. Billy Long, secured a narrow 14-13 party-line vote from the Senate Finance Committee to advance his nomination to the full Senate. Long's confirmation process has been contentious, with Democrats criticizing his alleged involvement with a company accused of selling fake tribal tax credits and questioning his lack of tax policy experience. Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo praised Long's vision for modernizing the IRS and emphasized improving efficiency and agency culture. Despite Democratic objections, Long denied any wrongdoing during his testimony. The IRS is currently led by interim leaders after the previous commissioner, Danny Werfel, stepped down amid White House pressure. Long’s potential leadership comes at a time when Republicans are considering extending and expanding President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which may further complicate tax policy and enforcement.