Okay, let’s try this one more time.
From <$NoAd$>the Associated Press on Rep. Istook’s statement …
Istook, chairman of the House Appropriations transportation subcommittee, said in a statement Sunday that the Internal Revenue Service drafted the language, which would not have allowed any inspections of tax returns. “Nobody’s privacy was ever jeopardized,” the statement said.
The actual text Rep. Istook inserted into the bill …
Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein.
Abuse of power or poor reading comprehension? We report; you decide.
[ed. note: Emphasis added in above quotes. Special thanks to TPM reader DC.]
