Rep. Kelly Blasts New York Times Editorial Endorsing Unfair New IRS Rules

Statement

WASHINGTON -- Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) -- a member of the House Ways and Means Committee -- issued the following statement today in response to an editorial by the New York Times published earlier this week in support of proposed new regulation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which would unfairly target 501(c)(4) groups -- while exempting labor unions and trade associations -- by limiting their involvement in basic civic activities.

"The IRS's proposed new regulation on tax-exempt groups constitutes a naked attack on the First Amendment, plain and simple. Even worse, the rules would be unevenly applied across the political spectrum, leaving left-leaning organizations free to engage in political activity which conservative groups would be barred from by law. Especially in light of the agency's already-revealed targeting of conservatives, these rules add unnecessary insult to unthinkable injury. Sadly, the New York Times editorial board has once again neglected to speak truth to power and is instead choosing to cheerlead the Obama administration's latest attempt to acquire even more power. Rather than serving as an applause chamber for most of this administration's actions, the Times -- and indeed all Americans -- should heed the rightful objections to the IRS's new rules on both the right and left and responsibly oppose this chilling new power-grab."

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