WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two pieces of legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. H.R. 1759, the Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers (BRIDGE for Workers) Act, which passed by a vote of 393-24 and H.R. 1957, the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, which passed by voice vote and included Rep. LaHood’s Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, now head to the United States Senate.
“Illinoisans expect their Members of Congress to solve problems in Washington and today’s bipartisan vote takes necessary steps to make our government more efficient, transparent, and accountable,” stated LaHood. “My bills will empower taxpayers by addressing systemic issues in the IRS and strengthen workforce training for individuals on the sidelines, so they can get back to receiving what they want most, a paycheck. I am proud to have played a role in this strong bipartisan effort and urge our Senate colleagues to pass these bills swiftly.”
Rep. LaHood went to the House floor today to voice his support during debate on both pieces of legislation. You can watch his remarks on the BRIDGE for Workers Act here and the Taxpayer First Act here.
Background:
H.R. 1759, BRIDGE for Workers Act
The U.S. Department of Labor awards annual grants to states and territories so they can provide a range of services to recipients of unemployment benefits and help them find work. Services include individual career counseling, assistance with job searches, and information on the local labor market. Under current law, however, states can only use their federal grants to assist workers who are expected to exhaust their unemployment benefits before they find work. This legislation provides more flexibility to the states and allows all claimants on unemployment insurance these services. Full text of the bill can be found here.
H.R. 1957, Taxpayer First Act of 2019
The Taxpayer First Act of 2019 includes another piece of legislation introduced by Rep. LaHood, H.R. 1825, the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, which will take steps to address systemic issues within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and expand protections for taxpayers by instructing the IRS to respond promptly to Taxpayer Assistance Directives (TAD) issued by the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). Full text of the bill can be found here.
