A group of Republican lawmakers are advocating for legislation aimed at restricting the Internal Revenue Service’s possession of firearms and ammunition. The proposal, formally known as the “Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act,” seeks to prevent the agency from acquiring or storing weapons by redirecting its existing arsenal.
The core of the bill would mandate that all firearms and ammunition currently held by the IRS be transferred to the Administrator of General Services. These items would then be sold, with guns going to licensed dealers and ammunition being auctioned off to the public. Revenue generated from these sales would be deposited into the Treasury’s general fund specifically for deficit reduction.
The legislation also includes a provision to transfer the Criminal Investigation Division—which handles financial crimes—from the IRS to the Department of Justice, maintaining it as a distinct entity within the DOJ’s Criminal Division. This transfer encompasses personnel and assets related to investigative functions.
Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.) introduced the bill, garnering support from fellow Republicans Harriet Hageman (Wyoming), Mary Miller (Illinois), and Clay Higgins (Louisiana).
“The IRS has consistently been weaponized against American citizens, targeted religious organizations, journalists, gun owners, and everyday Americans,” Moore stated.
Moore argues that arming IRS agents does not enhance public safety and his bill aims to ensure the agency is equipped only with “calculators.”
The IRS asserts its mission on their website as providing “top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and to enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.” However, concerns have been raised about potential misuse of power.
On April 15th, Representative Moore highlighted this issue in a social media post emphasizing that Tax Day serves as a reminder that the IRS should cease spending taxpayer money on stockpiling weapons.
The bill’s proponents believe it addresses concerns about government overreach and aims to refocus the IRS’s priorities.
- Key Provisions:
- Prohibits the IRS from purchasing, receiving or storing firearms and ammunition.
- Mandates transfer of existing IRS firearms and ammunition to the Administrator of General Services.
- Requires auctioning of guns to licensed dealers and ammunition to the public.
- Directs revenue towards deficit reduction.
- Transfers the Criminal Investigation Division to the Department of Justice.
The proposal has ignited debate, with supporters claiming it addresses potential abuses while critics may question whether disarming the IRS would compromise its ability to investigate financial crimes effectively.
