Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long is facing fierce U.S. Senate Democratic opposition to his nomination to lead the IRS.
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-OR, accuses Long of promising favors to business associates if confirmed as the next IRS commissioner. Wyden grilled Long, a Republican, on Long’s relationship with two companies accused of selling tax credits that don’t exist.
“So, you didn’t meet with anybody when you were in town for the inauguration and promised them a private letter arrangement or something like that?” “A private letter arrangement? I don’t…” “Where you say we’re going to help we’re going to help you, if you’re confirmed,” asked Wyden.
“I haven’t promised anybody a letter of any type that I can think of,” said Long.
Wyden alleges the promises were made at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Long denied the accusation.
“I can answer that with an affirmative ‘no.’ I was in my room for about 50 hours because I had food poisoning during the inauguration. So, I didn’t talk to many people,” said Long.
During a hearing this week before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Republican members defended Long and are supporting his nomination.
Fellow Missouri Republican Eric Schmitt, who defeated Long in 2022’s GOP primary for U.S. Senate, said he supports Long’s nomination.
Long represented southwestern Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. He chose not to run for a seventh term and instead made a bid for the U.S. Senate.
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