Former IRS Foe Confirmed as Commissioner | JQJO

Billy Long, a former Missouri congressman who previously advocated for abolishing the IRS, has been confirmed as the agency's commissioner. The Senate confirmed him by a 53-44 vote despite Democratic concerns about his past work for a firm involved in a fraudulent tax scheme and campaign contributions received after his nomination by President Trump. Long's appointment comes amidst massive IRS staffing cuts and ongoing lawsuits. The IRS faces challenges including potential disruptions to the 2026 tax filing season and the uncertain future of the Direct File program.