House Passes Bipartisan Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act, Moves to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA) (HR 9498) by a voice vote. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, and co-sponsored by Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat, aims to empower the National Taxpayer Advocate. If enacted, TAPA would authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to participate as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in federal cases that address issues broadly affecting taxpayer rights. Currently, the law prohibits such intervention. The bill is designed to allow the Advocate's office to engage in court matters that could establish legal precedent, while still preventing involvement in individual taxpayer disputes. Rep. Steube emphasized that American taxpayers deserve an advocate when their rights are at stake in federal court.
