Opening Statement of Mr. William Long
Nominee to serve as Commissioner of Internal Revenue
United States Senate Committee on Finance
May 20, 2025
Chairman Crapo, Ranking Member Wyden and members of this Committee, I am honored and
humbled to sit before you today as the nominee for Commissioner of the Internal Revenue
Service.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to President Trump for placing his confidence in
me to lead this vital agency.
My unique life experience has shaped my understanding of how the government operates and the
importance of fairness and integrity.
I intend to use these experiences to bring transformational change to the IRS.
I also recognize the importance of bipartisanship when it comes to this agency. Just like I intend
to make every taxpayer’s experience better regardless of ideological belief, I intend to work with
all members of Congress collaboratively to achieve our shared goals.
A modern tax collection agency is one of the most crucial services a government can provide to
its people.
As our nation grows, we must be diligent in making continuous improvements, while also
ensuring the agency is kind and understanding to its constituents.
If confirmed, I will implement a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the IRS, but also one
that develops a new culture at the agency.
I am eager to implement the necessary changes to maximize our effectiveness, while also
remaining transparent with both Congress and taxpayers.
It is important to also recognize the dedicated professionals currently at the IRS whose hard
work too often goes unnoticed.
It is my pledge that we will invest in retaining skilled members of the team.
This does not mean a bloated agency, but an efficient one where employees have the tools they
need to succeed.
As is said at every hearing regarding the IRS, the agency’s technology is dangerously out of date,
and I will make it a priority to modernize our operations.
I want to instill our new culture in every IRS office, and make sure the dedicated employees in
these facilities know that IRS leadership truly cares about them.
