Cheyenne, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 23- the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act and H.Res. 12- Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary earlier this week:

“Our government should work for you, not against you. As a part of our Commitment to America, House Republicans assured the American people a Republican majority would conduct rigorous oversight of President Biden and end the Biden Administration’s unchecked one-party rule. In our first week, House Republicans are staying true to that promise,” said Congressman Lucas. “Last Congress, Washington Democrats dramatically expanded the overreach of the federal government. In our first action, House Republicans passed the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which would defund the Biden Administration’s plan to hire 87,000 new IRS agents and block the Administration’s efforts to drastically increase audits on middle class families and small businesses while preserving funding for important customer service reforms and IT modernization. Along with rescinding irresponsible spending, House Republicans’ plan for oversight in the 118^th Congress will examine the concerning actions of numerous departments and agencies. As promised, a House Republican majority will hold the federal government accountable.”

H.R. 23- the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, would defund the Biden Administration’s plan to hire 87,000 new IRS agents and block efforts to drastically increase audits on middle class families while preserving funding for customer service and IT modernization.

H.Res. 12- Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary, establishes a Select Subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary in the 118th Congress to address the weaponization of the federal government.

H.Res. 12 outlines that the subcommittee will be composed of up to 15 Members, 9 Republicans and 6 Democrats. The resolution authorizes the subcommittee to conduct investigations and study the Article II authority to collect information on and investigate American citizens vested in the FBI, DHS, and DOJ. The subcommittee will also investigate and study how these agencies go about obtaining and using the information from other agencies and the private sector including any unconstitutional, illegal, or unethical activities engaged in by these entities or committed against American citizens. It is also authorized to investigate the laws, programs, and activities of the Executive Branch as they relate to the collection of information on American citizens and any issues related to the violation of the civil liberties of American citizens by any Executive Branch agencies.

The subcommittee is required to issue a final report to the House on its findings no later than January 2, 2025.

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