Yellen Backs Down on IRS Snooping on Americans’ Bank Accounts

Yellen Backs Down on IRS Snooping on Americans’ Bank Accounts
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a virtual event in Washington, on Feb. 5, 2021. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Joseph Lord
Updated:

Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen has relented in response to backlash over a controversial proposal by Democrats that would have allowed the IRS to gain information from any American bank account with more than $600 of activity in a year.

The measure initially came to light as a part of Democrats’ $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. Trying to head off concerns from moderates, Democratic leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers have desperately marketed the bill as being completely paid for with no substantial effect on the deficit or national debt.