Should the DOJ Expedite Reviews of Identity Theft Cases Involving IRS Impersonation? (H.R. 2905)

What is H.R. 2905?

(Updated July 25, 2018)

This bill would require the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) to establish procedures to expedite the review of, and seek an indictment in, any case involving identity theft by an individual who impersonates an employee or officer of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The DOJ would be required to submit to Congress and publish a report containing information on the current scams and fraudulent practices, what they’re doing to counter them, and the status of prosecutions for such offenses.

Argument in favor

Identity theft cases that involve the impersonation of IRS employees are very serious, so the Dept. of Justice should expedite its reviews of such cases.

Argument opposed

While identity theft cases involving the impersonation of IRS employees are bad, there’s no need for the Dept. of Justice to expedite reviews of them.

Impact

Victims of tax fraud involving the impersonation of IRS employees; and the IRS.

Cost of H.R. 2905

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. David Young (R-IA) reintroduced this bill to require the DOJ to develop a process for expediting review of identity theft or IRS fraud-related cases referred to them and report to Congress about current scams and fraudulent practices, saying during the last Congress:

“Scams and identity theft are increasingly complex and growing problems, and many folks in Iowa and across the country are at risk of having their identity, bank or credit card numbers, and other personal information stolen. Our bipartisan task force will thoroughly examine the scope of fraud and how best to address it.”

This legislation has the support of one cosponsor, Rep. Krysten Sinema (D-AZ).

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. David Young (R-IA) Press Release (Previous Version)
  
• Republican Policy Committee