Controversy at the IRS -- May 17, 2013
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend:
Earlier this week, reports began to surface that the Internal Revenue Service had unfairly scrutinized certain groups based on their political affiliation – specifically targeting groups that claimed conservative ideologies. As more information has come forward, it is clear that the IRS was culpable, and just yesterday, the acting director of the agency stepped down.
We are a nation defined by the fact that everyone has equal treatment and protection under the law, and any actions by our government that undermine this are an affront to our Constitution and the spirit of our democracy. We cannot be a nation that targets groups on the basis of who they are or what they believe.
In regard to the IRS, I am fully in support of all investigations into what transpired, who was responsible, and how we can begin to rebuild the public trust. The President has rightly put forward a plan which involves holding the responsible parties accountable, putting in place new checks and safeguards, and ensuring the law is enforced in a fair and impartial way.
We should expect everyone who serves in the federal government to hold themselves to the highest ethical and moral standards, and the American people deserve nothing less.
As always, it's an honor to serve you.
Best,
André
The Inside Scoop
Child Care Criminal Background Check Act
This week, Congressman Carson introduced the Child Care Criminal Background Check Act of 2013, which would require states to administer a comprehensive criminal background check on all licensed child care providers before they can begin working with children. The bill closes dangerous gaps in both federal and state law that have resulted in child endangerment, negligence of child development best practices, and inadequate training of child care professionals.
37th ACA Repeal Vote
Rather than working on job creation, spurring economic growth, or addressing sequestration, the United States Congress will hold this week its 37th vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, attempting to take patient protections away from working families and the middle class. In total, these dead-end, political votes have cost taxpayers more than $52 million dollars – funds that could have easily addressed shortfalls in Head Start programs, Meals on Wheels for our seniors, and Title I funding for our schools. Leadership in the House needs to get their priorities straight, not waste more time and money on a bill that isn't going anywhere.
Winner of the Congressional Art Competition
This year's Congressional Art Competition winner is Melinda Ervin, a senior at the Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School. Her artwork, titled "Shania," is a Chuck Close inspired composition of her young cousin. Congratulations to Melinda for winning this prestigious award! Over the next year, Melinda's work will be on display in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.