Senate Dems Push for More Transparency in IRS Reporting of Dark Money

Senate Democrats are pushing for Republicans to join them in forcing all tax-exempt groups to be required to tell the IRS the names and contact information of their large donors.

According to The Hill, Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced an effort Monday to erase certain IRS guidance in the Congressional Review Act, which was issued in July.

"We must crack down on the dark money flooding our political system, that's why we are taking an aggressive approach and introducing this legislation to protect our democracy and hold special interests accountable with transparency," Sen. Tester said, The Hill reported.

Wyden said, with the November midterm elections approaching, transparency is important.

"Over the next few weeks, political ads will be flooding the airwaves," Wyden said. "Because of the Trump administration's new dark money rule, tax authorities won't know whether those ads are being paid for by foreign governments or individuals."

The National Rifle Association and Americans for Prosperity, a group founded by the Koch brothers, are among the organizations that fall under the new guidance. Republicans were pleased with the rule over fears the IRS could potentially target Americans who support certain political groups.

"This was the right decision because citizens shouldn't fear harassment or persecution over their beliefs," Freedom Partners Executive Vice president Nathan Nascimento said in July.

• IRS Targets Loopholes for $415 Billion Business Owner Tax Break
• IRS Moves to Ease Pain of New Tax That Targets Offshore Profits