In recent news, the increased weapon purchases by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have raised concerns on Capitol Hill. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., expressed her unease in a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel.
Rep. Bice highlighted the the agency’s significant weaponry and tactical gear spending, an unusual move for a civilian agency dedicated to taxpayer service and fair law enforcement. She voiced concern over the IRS’s growing militarization.
A recent watchdog report stated that the IRS spent nearly $10 million on weapon stockpiling, ammunition, and gear since 2020. The purchases included ballistic helmets, optical sights, and tactical lighting, amongst other items.
In response, Rep. Bice requested the IRS provide information on the accounts used for such purchases.
Additionally, she called for detailed data on the type and quantity of items like weapons, drones, armored vehicles, and chemical weapons in the IRS’s possession.
The Oklahoman representative also sought data on the IRS-issued weapon modifications approved by the UOF Senior Analyst, NCITA.