auditcongress.com

The US Congress’s moral authority to lead in times of crisis is undermined by the perception that many Congressmen are not paying their taxes. The fact that Congress is responsible for shaping our tax system just makes it worse. The Constitution of the United States gives Congress the power to tax.  From Section 8 of the Constitution: 

        "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises,........." 

The Constitution gives Congress many other powers in addition to the power to "lay and collect" taxes, but this power is one that is directly felt by almost every American virtually every day of their life. It is for many a heavy burden, made heavier by the realization that those who are requiring them to pay such taxes may not be paying their own tax obligations.  

Here in the U.S., we are not supposed to have different classes of citizens. Those who make our laws are supposed to be subject to them in the same way as any ordinary citizen. It is true that there are benefits and perks Congress has voted to themselves over the years, however not complying with the law is different. As far as we are aware, Congressmen are subject to the same tax filing and payment requirements as any other citizen.

The problem of course is that, as has been recently reported, some in Congress have been less diligent in paying their taxes than ordinary Americans expect. That is why we are calling for annual tax audits for Congressmen and other High Government officials.

There is a new urgency to this matter, however. The current administration is proposing a record increase in existing and new taxes, and these new taxes will affect Americans at all income levels. Congress appears poised to approve the President's plans. We are also in the midst of the deepest economic downturn in 20 years.  (This comparison is debatable, but there is no question that it has been many years since we have experienced such a severe recession.)  In times such as these, it is crucial for the health of our Republic for the citizens to retain faith and confidence in the leadership of our great nation. Not only is there a need for the citizens to feel that our leadership has the talents, skills and willingness to lead us through tough times, citizens need to feel that their leadership has the moral authority to lead.

The US Congress’s moral authority to lead in this time of crisis is severely undermined by the perception that many Congressmen are not paying their taxes.

We believe that, at this crucial time, Congress should take steps to restore citizen's faith in their government. One immediate step they can take is to institute an annual tax audit for their membership, and for other high government officials.