Rep. Chaffetz bill would require firing for ‘seriously tax delinquent’ feds

A House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would require the firing of federal employees who are “seriously tax delinquent.”

Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Republican, introduced the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act of 2013 in mid-January, which would require federal employees to fire any workers who have an outstanding federal tax debt where a notice of lien has been publicly filed, The Daily Caller reports.

Citing figures indicating that more than 100,000 federal employees owe more than $1 billion in federal taxes, Mr. Chaffetz argued it’s time for them to do their fair share.

“Most taxpayers file accurate tax returns and pay the taxes they owe on time, regardless of their income,” the Republican said during the hearing. “Federal employees and individuals applying for federal employment should do the same.”

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved the measure. All it needs is a full House vote to become law, The Daily Caller reports.

“The intent of the bill is simple,” Mr. Chaffetz said. “If you are a federal employee or applicant, you should be making a good faith effort to pay your taxes or to dispute them, as all taxpayers have the right to do.”

Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings opposed the bill, saying it will demonize federal workers “rather than ensure their compliance with tax obligations.”