Video Highlights
- Montana U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale has introduced a bill to demilitarize the IRS following an armed raid on a gun shop in his area.
- The IRS has spent nearly $10 million on weaponry and gear since 2020, according to a recent report.
- The bill would prohibit the IRS from using taxpayer dollars to purchase firearms for its agents.
- The IRS's arsenal would be sold at auction to licensed dealers and the general public, while the criminal investigations division would be transferred to the Department of Justice.
- The IRS reportedly spent $35.2 million on guns, ammunition, and military-style equipment since 2006.
- The IRS's armed criminal investigation unit is the sixth largest federal law enforcement agency.
Video Summary
Montana U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale has introduced a bill to demilitarize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in response to an armed raid on a local gun shop. According to a recent report, the IRS has spent nearly $10 million on weaponry and gear since 2020, raising concerns about the agency's increasing militarization.
The bill, introduced by Representative Rosendale, aims to prohibit the IRS from using taxpayer dollars to purchase firearms for its agents. This comes after a 20-person armed raid on Highwood Creek Outfitters in Great Falls, Montana, where the IRS reportedly confiscated the personal information of customers who purchased firearms from the store.
Representative Rosendale argues that the IRS's weaponization and intimidation tactics against hard-working Montanans must come to an end. He believes that taxpayer funds should not be leveraged against the American people, and that the power of the government should be limited.
In addition to prohibiting the IRS from purchasing guns, the bill also proposes transferring the IRS's arsenal to the General Services Administration (GSA) within 120 days. The guns would then be sold at auction to licensed dealers and the general public. Furthermore, the bill suggests transferring the criminal investigations division of the IRS to the Department of Justice, where it would be more appropriately placed.
The issue of the IRS's excessive spending on firearms and equipment is not new. In 2023, it was reported that the IRS's armed criminal investigation unit is the sixth largest federal law enforcement agency. The unit is responsible for investigating tax crimes and ensuring that criminals are held accountable. However, critics argue that the IRS's focus on arming itself and conducting armed raids on gun shops raises questions about its priorities and whether it is overstepping its authority.
Representative Rosendale's bill is seen as a step towards reining in the IRS's power and addressing concerns about its militarization. While it may face challenges in the Senate and with President Biden, it serves as a starting point for discussions on the issue and highlights the need for greater oversight of the agency's activities.
In conclusion, the introduction of this bill by Representative Rosendale sheds light on the IRS's excessive spending on firearms and the need to demilitarize the agency. It also raises questions about the IRS's priorities and the extent of its authority. The bill seeks to prohibit the IRS from using taxpayer dollars to purchase firearms and suggests transferring its criminal investigations division to the Department of Justice. While it may face opposition, it serves as an important step in addressing concerns about the IRS's power and ensuring greater accountability and transparency.
