Grassley Welcomes IRS Statement on Union, Senior Employee Bonuses

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the IRS’ announcement that it will try to stop bonuses for union members and senior managers. The announcement came after Grassley questioned whether the IRS was forging ahead with the bonuses, despite an April 4, 2013, directive from the Office of Management and Budget instructing agencies to cease all discretionary bonuses during sequestration. Grassley wrote to the acting IRS Commissioner last month asking for information about the status of the situation. His letter is available here.

“An acknowledgement that all bonuses might be inappropriate is welcome. This is a step in the right direction. But it shouldn’t take a media firestorm and congressional outrage for the IRS to act within its budgetary constraints. The IRS still could give bonuses to union members and senior executives, according to today’s announcement. Rejecting the White House’s mandate to stop bonuses across the board would be a slap in the face to taxpayers.”