Congressman: IRS data breach ‘unacceptable’

U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA) issued a statement on Wednesday calling for action after the Internal Revenue Service reported what appeared to be a data breach that compromised the personal information of more than 100,000 U.S. taxpayers.

“The IRS data breach is another example of the sophisticated and growing capacities of cyber criminals,” Meehan said. “Tax returns – with all the personal data they contain – are a tempting target for thieves. Online services designed for convenience and ease of use by the consumer may well be exploited by hackers. With millions of Americans’ identities at risk, intrusions are unacceptable.

“I will be working closely with Ways and Means Committee Chairman (Paul) Ryan (R-WI), Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam (R-IL) and my colleagues on the committee to get answers,” Meehan said.

Meehan has served as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Cybersecurity Subcommittee and has been a vocal supporter of efforts to get cyber legislation signed into law. Currently, he is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Service.