December 20,2013

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Baucus Applauds Senate Confirmation of John Koskinen to be IRS Commissioner

Finance Committee Approved Koskinen’s Nomination by Voice Vote Last Week

WASHINGTON –Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today applauded the Senate’s confirmation of John Koskinen to be commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by a vote of 59-36.  During a committee hearing to consider his nomination last week, Senator Baucus called on Koskinen to restore public trust in the IRS following the Inspector General’s report on the agency’s handling of 501(c)(4) applications. In addition, Senator Baucus said Koskinen must work to oversee the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and provide input on the committee’s continuing efforts to overhaul the tax code. The Finance Committee approved his nomination by voice vote on December 13.

“John Koskinen has an excellent record of public service and leadership in demanding roles,” Senator Baucus said.  “This is a critical time to have someone with Mr. Koskinen’s expertise in charge of the IRS.  We need a confirmed commissioner to begin winning back the public’s trust and manage the ongoing implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  I am confident he is up to the task.”

Koskinen served as non-executive chairman of Freddie Mac from 2008 to 2011 and acting CEO in 2009.  Koskinen was deputy mayor and city administrator of Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2003, assistant to the president and chair of the President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion from 1998 to 2000, and deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget from 1994 to 1997.  He also has extensive experience in the private sector.  Koskinen received a B.A. from Duke University and an L.L.B. and J.D. from Yale University School of Law.

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