Billy Long gets nod to lead IRS

Billy Long, former U.S. representative for Missouri who worked as a Springfield-area auctioneer before getting into politics, yesterday was given the green light to lead the Internal Revenue Service.

Long, who was nominated for the role late last year by President Donald Trump before his second inauguration, was confirmed with a 53-44 vote in the U.S. Senate, according to the Congressional Record for June 12. 

Long thanked supporters in a post on X yesterday evening. 

"Quite a day, thanks to all of you for your well wishes," Long tweeted. "They say I'm the talk of the Gateway Cafe in Spokane (Missouri) and Cooper's Clippers barber shop in Springfield (Missouri), plus (Donald Trump) just called to congratulate me. That's what you call the trifecta!"

Long faced questions about his promotion of questionable tax credits, political contributions he has received and lack of financial industry experience, among other queries, in a May 20 confirmation hearing, according to media reports. 

Ahead of the vote yesterday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said in floor remarks that "Senate Republicans want to put a tax fraudster in charge of the IRS."

"His only qualification, like so many of Trump’s nominees who have had no experience and no knowledge, is that he is a MAGA cheerleader," Schumer said, according to the Congressional Record. "He had no expertise in tax policy while in Congress. And after he left office, he joined the tax scam industry."

Schumer added, "In one instance, Mr. Long was paid over $60,000 by firms that sold totally fabricated tax credits to investors and small businesses. When asked about his role in this scheme in committee, Mr. Long refused to answer. When investigators sent him questions, he went dark."

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, who is chair of the Ways and Means Committee, was among politicians who issued congratulations to Long yesterday.

"Commissioner Long has always been a fighter for the American people, and during his time in public service, he saw firsthand the widespread failures and corruption that have plagued the IRS," Smith said in a statement. "I look forward to working hand in glove with Commissioner Long and President Trump to restore accountability after years of Democrat weaponization of the IRS, modernize outdated technology infrastructure and return the agency to its rightful role – serving the American taxpayer, not the other way around."

Long held the 7th Congressional seat covering southwest Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives 2010-23. He also ran to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate but lost in the Republican primary to Eric Schmitt.

Prior to his tenure in the House, Long closed his 29-year-old business, Billy Long Auctions LLC, and sold its assets, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.