December 05,2024

Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Vote on TIGTA Nominee

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to vote on the nomination of David Johnson to be Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

As prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Johnson has been nominated to serve as Inspector General for Tax Administration at the Department of the Treasury.

“Mr. Johnson has strong qualifications and oversight experience, and I appreciate his service at the Department of Veterans Affairs and his willingness to serve today.

“I was encouraged to hear Mr. Johnson’s commitment to: distinguishing allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse from disagreements in policy; ensuring that TIGTA holds accountable any individual who unlawfully discloses taxpayer information; and providing the Senate Finance Committee with timely and thorough updates of investigations as permitted by law.

“I was also encouraged to hear that Mr. Johnson and I share common ground on the need for the IRS to keep taxpayer information confidential, and for personal information to not be used against taxpayers to advance political agendas.

“However, given that the new Congress will be sworn in only less than a month from today, and the new Administration will take office just shortly thereafter, it is my opinion that these newly-elected officials deserve the opportunity to evaluate this appointment.  Therefore, I cannot support Mr. Johnson’s nomination today. 

“That said, I look forward to working with Mr. Johnson if he is confirmed in addressing the concerns that my colleagues and I have raised throughout this process, and ensuring that TIGTA continues to provide essential oversight of the IRS and our nation’s tax system.”