WASHINGTON DC (February 27, 2019) — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles "Chuck" Grassley today made the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Michael J. Desmond to be Chief Counsel for the IRS and Assistant General Counsel for the Treasury Department. Yesterday, 84 senators voted to invoke cloture, and Desmond was confirmed today 83 to 15.
“Mr Desmond will serve the American public well in his new role. He’s got the experience, character and qualifications to help the IRS achieve its mission of serving taxpayers while collecting tax revenues. His confirmation couldn’t have come soon enough as tax filing season is well underway.
“It’s regrettable but unsurprising that Senate Democrats felt the need to obstruct this nomination just for the sake of obstructing. Once again, Democratic leaders forced an unnecessary procedural vote on an uncontroversial nominee just to stall and waste Senate floor time. This nominee should have been confirmed last year without fanfare. This is only the latest example of the unprecedented obstacles President Trump’s nominees have faced. Reforms are needed to get the Senate working again.”
