Ron Wyden Questions Treasury Nominee on Taxpayer Privacy and IRS Staffing

Taxpayer Privacy and DOGE Access

• 📌 Senator Ron Wyden expressed concern over DOGE gaining access to sensitive taxpayer data at the IRS, calling himself a "privacy hawk."
• ⚠️ The Center for Taxpayer Rights has sued the administration, arguing that allowing DOGE and DHS access to tax return information, including home addresses, bank accounts, and social security numbers, broke the law.
• 💡 The acting IRS commissioner and chief privacy officer resigned or were pushed out due to this issue.

Nominee's Stance on Privacy Violations

• ❓ When asked what he would do on day one if faced with a massive violation of privacy rights affecting millions, the nominee, Mr. Morrisy, stated that maintaining privacy protections for taxpayer information is a top responsibility.
• ⚖️ He committed to ensuring modernization efforts comply with 6103 and all other statutory protections for taxpayer information.
• 🗣️ Senator Wyden pressed for more specific actions beyond simply complying with the law, given the nominee's admitted expertise in privacy law.

Lawyer's Obligation and IRS Staffing

• ❓ Wyden questioned whether a lawyer has an obligation to stop representing a client who is breaking the law, referencing the situation with DOGE.
• 🤝 Morrisy stated his job as general counsel would be to work with all policy components to ensure they fulfill their statutory mission lawfully.
• ⚠️ Wyden also raised concerns about illegal and deceptive activity regarding the firing of probationary IRS employees, with two district courts agreeing and ordering their rehiring.

Impact on IRS Operations

• ❓ Wyden inquired about the nominee's plan to deal with illegal and deceptive activity and its potential impact on taxpayer refunds.
• 🚀 Morrisy emphasized the importance of IRS modernization and improving operational capabilities, committing to ensure all statutory responsibilities, including those related to refunds, are fulfilled if confirmed.