Senate Confirms Billy Long as IRS Commissioner

The U.S. Senate confirmed former Republican Congressman and auctioneer Billy Long as IRS Commissioner in a 53-44 party-line vote, with all Democrats opposing. Long, who previously sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS and lacks direct tax administration experience, was nominated by former President Trump. His confirmation comes as the IRS faces major workforce cuts and ongoing controversies, including scrutiny of Long's involvement in the fraud-plagued Employee Retention Credit and alleged ties to questionable tax shelters. Democrats voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the risk of politicization, while conservative groups supported Long to address perceived partisan bias in the agency. Long has pledged to follow the law and not politicize the IRS. The effect of his leadership on taxpayers and the agency’s direction is still uncertain.