Former Rep. Billy Long Confirmed to Lead IRS Amid Workforce Cuts

Former Missouri Rep. Billy Long was confirmed as the new commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish, stepping in after a prolonged period of leadership instability and significant workforce reductions. Long's confirmation, backed by Republicans but opposed by Democrats, came despite concerns about his lack of tax administration experience and his past involvement with firms promoting fraudulent pandemic-era tax credits. The IRS faces substantial challenges, including mass retirements, staffing cuts, and controversies involving data sharing with immigration authorities and allegations of mishandling sensitive taxpayer information by a Trump adviser’s department. Long’s leadership arrives as the agency is expected to implement key tax provisions from President Trump’s agenda, including potential tax breaks for tips and overtime. Treasury officials praised Long's experience as crucial for modernizing the IRS and meeting priorities around service, collections, and privacy. The confirmation concludes a period where the IRS operated under multiple acting leaders and navigated lawsuits and internal turmoil.