In 14-Page Letter, Warren Demands IRS Nominee Explain Record of Corruption and Fraud, Support for Tax Policies that Hurt Working Families

Warren asks former Congressman Billy Long to commit to resisting Trump’s attempts to politicize agency
“I am deeply concerned about your ability to lead an agency as critical as the IRS and ensure that thewealthy pay their fair share, hardworking Americans can file their taxes and claim refunds, and theagency protects taxpayer privacy and retains its independence and non-partisan integrity.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. —U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Billy Long, nominee for Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with concerns over his record of supporting regressive tax policies, his acceptance of “campaign donations” from tax-dodging companies, his work promoting fraudulent tax credits, and more. Long will face senators, including Warren, at his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on May 20, 2025.
Long served as a Missouri congressman from 2011 through 2023. His time in Congress ended after an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2022. He was nominated by President Trump to lead the IRS in December 2024, despite his lack of tax policy experience, and his conflicts of interest.
Senator Warren concerns include:
“[T]he IRS is a non-political and non-partisan institution, created to meet the needs of the American public, not the political whims of the President...If confirmed, you will be responsible for maintaining that independence…However, I have serious doubts that you will do so,”said Senator Warren.
“As head of the IRS, you will play an integral role in writing and enforcing tax rules, directly affecting who pays their fair share…I am concerned that your lack of experience in a role directly related to administering the tax code, paired with your focus on cutting taxes for the wealthy as a U.S. Representative, make you a dangerous pick for this position,”wrote Senator Warren.
“It is implausible to suggest that those were legitimate contributions to an ongoing campaign—one cannot run in the 2022 election more than two years later. Instead, these companies appear to be attempting to earn your indulgence and cash in on those contributions, if you are confirmed, in the form of favorable treatment and regulatory decision-making from the IRS,”said Senator Warren.
“Given the widespread issues caused by ERTC mills and your role in their questionable practices, taxpayers deserve a better understanding of your work promoting these credits,”wrote Senator Warren.
Senator Warren asked Long to explain his role in the allegedly fraudulent tax scheme, and whether he would recuse himself from matters related to these fake tax credits.
“This presents a serious problem that, if confirmed, you will have to address. A functional IRS is the backbone of a strong federal government,”said Senator Warren.
Senator Warren asked Long to be prepared to answer her questions at his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on May 20, 2025.
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