U.S. Rep. Barry Moore has introduced legislation to ban the Internal Revenue Service from issuing its agents firearms, plainly entitled, the ‘‘Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act’’.
Citing the agency’s recent weaponization against the American people, Moore argued that its agents have no need for a weapon and should instead be armed with something more appropriate for their role.
“The IRS has consistently been weaponized against American citizens, targeted religious organizations, journalists, gun owners, and everyday Americans,” noted Moore (R-Enterprise).
“Arming these agents does not make the American public safer. My legislation, the Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act, would disarm these agents, auction off their guns to Federal Firearms License Owners, and sell their ammunition to the public. The only thing IRS agents should be armed with are calculators.”
Moore’s legislation specifically:
- Prohibits the IRS from purchasing, receiving, or storing firearms and ammo.
- Requires the IRS to transfer to the General Services Administration (GSA) any firearms or ammunition under IRS control.
- Compels GSA to initiate the sale and auction of the firearms to licensed dealers and the ammunition to the general public.
- Transfers the IRS Criminal Investigations Division to be folded into the Department of Justice’s jurisdiction.
Since the start of 2020, the IRS has spent $10 million on weapons, ammo, and combat gear. Currently, IRS agents, specifically those within the Criminal Investigation division, are authorized to use deadly force if deemed necessary.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
