Billy Long Confirmed as IRS Commissioner in Senate Vote

Billy Long, a former Missouri congressman and Trump loyalist who previously advocated for abolishing the IRS, has been confirmed by the Senate as the new IRS commissioner in a 53-44 vote. He becomes the sixth person to lead the agency this year, taking over during a period of significant staff reductions and leadership instability. Democrats opposed his appointment due to his lack of tax administration experience and his ties to controversial tax credit schemes flagged for fraud. Long has also faced scrutiny over campaign donations from executives linked to companies promoting questionable tax credits after his nomination. Despite these controversies and his background as a former auctioneer and real estate broker, Republicans supported his confirmation. Long now leads the IRS amid ongoing lawsuits, workforce changes, and heightened political controversy.