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Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young and the House of Representatives this week produced a number of legislative reforms aimed at reigning in excessive government regulation, increasing overall government transparency, and defending the American people from ill-conceived regulations proposed by the IRS, following growing concerns by the American public of unprecedented government growth, thousands of Administration pushed regulations, and increasing government interference.

“The conversations surrounding abuses of our ever growing federal government and its lack of transparency is something that has gathered more and more attention as of late, especially following major events like Benghazi, IRS political targeting, NSA wire tapping, and Obamacare,” said Congressman Don Young. “I made a commitment long ago, one that I maintain today, that I will fight back against these growing concerns impacting the daily lives of Alaskans. We must find a way for Washington, D.C. to step aside and let everyday Americans live their lives. This week, my colleagues and I are taking small steps forward in reigning in this Administration and its overreaching polices.”

In response to the disturbing news that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) inappropriately targeted certain political groups for further auditing and investigation, Congressman Don Young supported legislation to address this alarming activity. Today, the House passed H.R. 3865, the Stop Targeting Political Beliefs by the IRS Act, which prevents rule changes by the IRS to further limit political activity by tax-exempt groups, and H.R. 2531, the Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act, which would protect taxpayers from disclosing information regarding their social, political, or religious beliefs.

“Plain and simple, the IRS should not be targeting political beliefs of individuals or organizations when reviewing their financial documents,” said Congressman Young.  "I’ve worked to protect Alaskans and Americans across the country from further discrimination, and continue to do so, which is why I supported two pieces of legislation today that will prevent and delay further policy tactics for political discrimination.”

The House also unanimously passed H.R. 3308, the Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2014, requiring the federal government to identify all advertising and educational materials produced at the tax payer expense.

“At a time when the Obama Administration is spending $684M on marketing efforts for Obamacare, I believe it is time for the same level of transparency we abide by here in Congress,” said Congressman Don Young. “This is no different than the policies I follow when sending materials from my office in the House of Representative, why shouldn’t the rest of the federal government be held to these same standards? People have the right to know which type of policies their tax payer dollars are funding.”

Other “Stop Government Abuse Week” Legislation of Interest:

• H.R. 2804, Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency (ALERRT) Act, a package of bills that would require federal agencies to publish more timely information on the status and costs of new regulations, while allowing the American public to better prepare for new regulations. The bill is expected to pass the House this week.

• H.R. 1423, Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which passed the House today, would require federal agencies to disclose information on the cost, performance, staffing and duplication of programs they administer.

• H.R. 2530, Taxpayer Transparency and Efficient Audit Act, would require the IRS to complete individual taxpayer audits within one year of being initiated, respond to taxpayer correspondence within 30 days and disclose taxpayer information it has shared with other government agencies. The bill passed the House by voice vote today.

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