Grothman Votes to Protect Free Speech, Prevent Targeting by IRS

Press Release

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today voted in favor of a bill that prevents tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations from having to disclose sensitive donor information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act (H.R. 5053), of which Congressman Grothman is a co-sponsor, follows in the wake of a 2013 incident in which sensitive and identifying information about conservative donors was leaked by the IRS and published by national media organizations. The bill does away with the Form 990 Schedule B, which lists the types and values of contributions to organizations, as well as the names and addresses of donors.

"By passing this bill, the U.S. House of Representatives has taken an important first step in assuring the American people that they cannot be singled out by those in power because of their political beliefs," said Congressman Grothman. "Disclosing identifying donor information is unacceptable and violates the right to freedom of speech for organizations and their donors.

"I am proud to support the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act, which helps preempt future targeting of organizations because of political affiliation by the IRS and eliminates the exposure of unnecessary and invasive personal information once and for all."

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act by a vote of 240-182.

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