It’s Electric! Line Dancing Videos and Lavish Conferences Among IRS Waste – Will Ami Bera Condemn It?

The IRS has found itself embroiled in yet another scandal this week, and California families are wondering: Will Ami Bera condemn the agency’s blatant waste of taxpayer dollars?

It was reported this week that between 2010 and 2012, the IRS spent over $50 million on conferences, subsidized sporting event tickets, and lavish hotel stays for its employees. Over 2,500 of the IRS’s employees received these extravagant benefits, which included baseball tickets and stays in presidential suites that cost up to $3,000 a night.

“It’s clear that this Administration is riddled with wild amounts of irresponsible spending, and it’s time for Ami Bera to condemn this type of wasteful spending and demand action,” said NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “Bera owes it to his hard-working constituents to condemn these actions and send a message to Washington that wasteful and reckless spending by the Obama Administration and their agencies will not be tolerated.”

The IRS spent over $50 million between 2010-2012 on conferences and lavish hotel rooms and perks for their employees. (“House report: IRS spent $50M on conferences.” By AP Staff, USA Today, 6/2/2013)

The 2,600 attendees received benefits, including baseball tickets and stays in presidential suites that normally cost $1,500 to $3,500 per night. In addition, 15 outside speakers were paid a total of $135,000 in fees, with one paid $17,000 to talk about “leadership through art,” the House committee said. (“House report: IRS spent $50M on conferences.” By AP Staff, USA Today, 6/2/2013)

Since 2010, the IRS has been specifically targeting conservative individuals and organizations. (“Inspector general says ineffective management at IRS allowed agents to target tea party groups.” AP, 5/14/13)