Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced legislation to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from using taxpayer funds to arm its agents. The proposed "Why Does the IRS Have Guns Act" would bar the agency from acquiring or storing firearms and ammunition. Existing weaponry would be transferred to the General Services Administration for auction, with proceeds contributing to federal deficit reduction. The bill also proposes relocating the IRS Criminal Investigation Division to the Department of Justice.

Senator Ernst expressed concerns about the increasing militarization of the IRS, particularly in light of its recent expansion. She views further armament of the agency as a threat to American taxpayers and businesses. Ernst aims to redirect funds used for weaponry towards addressing what she calls "reckless spending" in Washington.

Reports indicate that the IRS has spent $10 million on weaponry and gear since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including rifles, shotguns, ammunition, ballistic shields, and body armor. Senator Ernst’s office claims the total expenditure on such equipment since 2006 amounts to $35.2 million. Furthermore, the IRS has advertised for armed special agents in all 50 states. This comes after the Inflation Reduction Act allocated $80 billion to the IRS for staff increases over the next decade, a move Republicans have criticized as targeting small businesses and families.

At the time of reporting, neither the IRS nor the White House had responded to requests for comment.