H.R.2915 - Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2915, the "Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act," aims to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from providing firearms and ammunition to its employees. The bill mandates the transfer of existing IRS-owned firearms and ammunition to the Administrator of General Services for sale or auction. Proceeds from these sales would be deposited into the Treasury for deficit reduction. The bill also transfers the administration and enforcement of criminal provisions related to internal revenue laws to the Attorney General and the Department of Justice, including the transfer of the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the IRS would no longer be able to purchase or store firearms and ammunition. The responsibility for criminal investigations related to internal revenue would shift from the IRS to the Department of Justice. This could potentially alter the focus and effectiveness of enforcing tax laws.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Government Spending: By prohibiting the IRS from purchasing firearms and ammunition, the bill could lead to reduced government spending.
- Deficit Reduction: Proceeds from the sale of firearms and ammunition would be used for deficit reduction.
- Focus on Core Functions: The IRS could focus more on its core functions of tax collection and enforcement, rather than law enforcement activities that some believe are outside its purview.
- Increased Transparency: Transferring criminal investigations to the Department of Justice could increase transparency and accountability.
- Alignment with Public Sentiment: Addresses concerns about the IRS possessing firearms, potentially improving public trust.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Hindrance to Investigations: Removing firearms from IRS agents could hinder their ability to conduct certain criminal investigations, potentially impacting their safety and effectiveness.
- Disruption of Operations: Transferring authorities and personnel to the Department of Justice could cause disruption and inefficiency during the transition period.
- Loss of Expertise: The IRS Criminal Investigation Division possesses specialized knowledge of tax-related crimes; transferring this expertise to the Department of Justice may dilute it.
- Increased Burden on DOJ: The Department of Justice may face increased workload and resource demands due to the transfer of responsibilities.
- Uncertainty in Enforcement: The shift in responsibility could create uncertainty and potential delays in the enforcement of internal revenue laws.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. The Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes (Article I, Section 8), implying the authority to enforce tax laws. However, the Second Amendment could be invoked in discussions about the right to bear arms, though this bill focuses on the IRS's ability to possess firearms, not individual rights. The transfer of authority to the Attorney General aligns with the executive branch's role in enforcing laws.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).