On Sunday, the U.S. Senate passed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote.
The legislation includes language that would allow for the hiring of 87,000 new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show" on Monday, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said that aspect of the bill made him "nauseated," and he warned that Americans needed "to be worried."
"There are some things in that bill, Jeff, that's really got me a nervous wreck," Carl said. "Once that vote was through — I haven't had a chance to dissect this completely, but I do have some punch notes on it. It made me nauseated that it actually passed. Someone has to explain to me why we need [87],000 new IRS agents.
"Now, this is going to make the IRS larger than the Pentagon. This is the new domestic Pentagon as far as I'm concerned dealing with American citizens. And I'm not one to scream fire and try to get everybody to run out of a room.
"But we've been quietly watching as the IRS has just been loading up on ammunition. Now, why does an IRS agent need ammunition? But they're stockpiling ammunition. Now they've got 87,000 new people. And I'm telling you, folks need to be worried.
"They need to be worried — Republicans, Democrats, independents, everybody because the IRS has the capability of coming in and flashing a badge and going through everything you've got. They do not have to go through court procedures."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
