The nomination of Billy Long to be IRS commissioner is moving forward steadily, despite criticism from Democrats over the Missouri congressman’s alleged ties to companies that offer fake and fraudulent tax credits.

Earlier this month, the Senate Finance Committee voted to endorse Long’s profile, despite objections about his profile and suspicious donations to his 2022 campaign.

Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon), the ranking Democrat on the Finance Committee, exposed Long’s lack of fiscal experience at that session.

Schumer said that while loyalty was a consideration in Long’s nomination, what was more troubling was his qualifications.

“Even by the president’s standards, Mr. Long is a shockingly poor candidate,” he said. “Ideally, at a minimum, you want the person in charge of collecting federal taxes to be independent, qualified, and scandal-free.” Schumer said Long lacked those three elements, adding that the nominee failed to demonstrate his ability to lead the IRS during his confirmation hearing, but also failed to work in Congress in tax areas. “During his time in Congress, Mr. Long did not accumulate any credible tax experience; he did not serve on the Ways and Means Committee; he did not even write a single piece of original tax legislation,” Schumer warned. The senator said Long had, instead,lawyer to have the IRS investigate Republican “political opponents” and their ties to shady businesses.

“After leaving Congress, Mr. Long lined his pockets in the tax fraud industry, where he sold fake tax credits and preyed on small businesses,” Schumer said. “The American people do not want the IRS run by a tax evader.”

A commissioner against the IRS

Long is also known for sponsoring legislation to abolish the IRS, which is ironic since he could now lead that office.

During his hearing, Long was questioned if he would follow the law so as not to tax advantage companies or political allies, or even to prevent the Executive Branch from influencing IRS matters.

“I’m going to follow the law,” Long said on May 20, during his hearing.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts) questioned Long about the tax law, but he hesitated, which led to a harsh criticism from the Democrat.

“It shouldn’t come within a thousand miles of the IRS office,” Warren said.

Under Long, the Department of Government Efficiency plan may be (DOGE) advance, raising concerns about tax auditor cuts.

Recent IRS controversies include the decision by Acting Commissioner Melanie Krause to resign last April after it was revealed she signed an agreement allowing the IRS to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to undocumented immigrants who pay taxes.