Senate Panel OKs IRS Overhaul Bill

A Senate panel unanimously approved a far-reaching bill to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service and extend dozens of new rights to taxpayers. By a 20-0 vote, the Senate Finance Committee endorsed changes that go far beyond a bill passed by the House in November. A Senate vote is expected next month at the earliest. The bill, sponsored by Committee Chairman Sen. William V. Roth Jr. (R-Del.), would cost $6.5 billion over the first five years, but no provision is made for the second five-year period, leaving $9.5 billion that would have to be paid.