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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release July 22, 1998

                    STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE 
                    ON THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNING OF THE 
                    IRS RESTRUCTURING AND REFORM ACT

The President's signing today of the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act is a victory for Americans everywhere. This bill will ensure that last year's reforms, which began as a joint effort of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government and the Treasury Department, will not only continue but thrive.

With the President's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and with Treasury Secretary Rubin's hard work over the past two years, we have already instituted many significant changes at the IRS focused on improving customer service.

We have expanded and improved service hours and phone support, making it possible for over three million small business taxpayers to file their quarterly payroll returns over the phone; we have made filing forms and information available on-line on a new, easier-to-use website; and we have successfully instituted innovative programs to expand electronic filing. This year, one in five returns was filed electronically, a 29 percent increase over last year.

The bill that President Clinton signed today will expand on these efforts, giving Americans a redesigned, reenergized, and refocused IRS for the 21st century. This new law will enable the IRS to deliver better, more accountable service to the American people.

I thank the many dedicated individuals and organizations that gave their support and guidance on this issue. In particular, I commend Secretary Rubin for his hard work and commitment to this cause.

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