Lake County Gazette

Americans victimized by unfair asset seizures would have some recourse under a measure co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) that recently passed the U.S. House, according to a press release.

Roskam, chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, celebrated the advancement of the Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers-RESPECT Act, which would put tighter controls on the Internal Revenue Serivce (IRS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) in cases of asset forfeiture.

“Today we took a big step toward delivering justice for victims of IRS abuse,” Roskam said in a statement. “It’s clear to everyone involved that the IRS and DOJ abused their authority and took money from people who did nothing wrong. With today’s legislation, we’re making sure they can never do it again.”

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL)

The law, co-sponsored by Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), is named after Andrew Clyde, Randy Sowers and Jeffrey, Richard and Mitch Hirsch, who were targeted by the IRS, according to Roskam. The bill would prevent the agency from seizing assets based on allegations of structuring cash deposits.

“I want to thank the Clyde, Hirsch, Sowers, and Taylor families for their bravery and willingness to share their stories in the hopes of preventing future injustice,” Roskam said in his statement. “I appreciate the support of Ranking Member John Lewis (D-GA) and Congressman Joe Crowley on this bipartisan bill. I’m glad we can finally put this ugly chapter to rest.”

People who have unfairly had assets seized would be able to petition for a return of the money they lost if the bill becomes law.