U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (IL-06) with Americans from which the IRS wrongly confiscated assets
WASHINGTON – This week, with the U.S. Congress in session, Republican Congress members Peter Roskam, Randy Hultgren and Darin LaHood had the following news for their Illinois District constituents:
From Congressman Roskam (IL-06):
The House of Representatives voted 415-0 to unanimously pass the “Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers-RESPECT Act” to rein in IRS asset forfeiture abuse in structuring cases. The bill, introduced by Roskam (R-IL), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Oversight, and Joseph Crowley (D-NY), is named for Andrew Clyde; Jeffrey, Richard, and Mitch Hirsch; and Randy Sowers – all small business owners victimized by the IRS.
"Today we took a big step toward delivering justice for victims of IRS abuse. It’s clear to everyone involved that the IRS and DOJ abused their authority and took money from people who did nothing wrong," Roskam said in a statement. "With today’s legislation, we’re making sure they can never do it again. I want to thank the Clyde, Hirsch, Sowers, and Taylor families for their bravery and willingness to share their stories in the hopes of preventing future injustice. I appreciate the support of Ranking Member John Lewis and Congressman Joe Crowley on this bipartisan bill. I’m glad we can finally put this ugly chapter to rest."
The bill will soon be heard in the Senate, where it is expected to be passed. Then it will head for the President's desk for his consideration.
From Congressman Hultgren (IL-14):
Hultgren supported House passage of H.R. 5719, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act, a bill he cosponsored which would allow employees to defer taxes on income they make from stock they are given by their employers. The move would encourage employee ownership, and personal and financial investment in these businesses. This tax incentive would also increase employee take-home pay by allowing them to get a higher return on their investment.
“I am encouraged by efforts in the House this year to better engage and incentivize employees to contribute to their companies’ success,” said Hultgren. “Workers who own a stake in the business they work for every day have an interest in seeing the business succeed. It is best for businesses when its success is tied to the hard work and investment of its employees.”
This measure will now move to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
From Congressman LaHood (IL-18):
Rep. LaHood and a majority of the Members of Congress voted to prohibit future cash payments to Iran.
“It should be common sense that the United States of America should not send untraceable pallets of cash on an airplane to the leading state sponsor of terrorism—in the midst of a global war on terror," LaHood said in a statement.
"But this bill spells it out. H.R. 5931 makes it clear that the Obama Administration violated America’s long-standing policy by exchanging cash for the release of prisoners (commonly known as a ransom payment). More importantly, it prohibits any more cash payments to Iran, regardless of the rhetoric or reasoning behind it. The most powerful nation in the world cannot be a country that negotiates and sends cash to countries that fund terrorism. Period.”
This measure will be considered by the U.S. Senate and the President.
