From: John King/CNN White House correspondent
In: Philadelphia, Pa.
Posted 10-8-97

Subject: Clinton to propose IRS citizens panel on Friday

After weeks of Republican criticism that he was defending the Internal Revenue Service, sources tell CNN that President Bill Clinton on Friday will propose creating national and regional citizens boards to handle taxpayer complaints against the agency.

Clinton's citizens panels would not have as much authority over the IRS as most Republicans prefer. But the White House believes the proposal will give the president cover.

Under the Clinton plan, a national citizens panel would be created to serve as a forum for oversight and to handle taxpayer complaints. Similar panels would be created to serve as complaint clearinghouses for each of the IRS' three dozen regional offices.

An administration official tells CNN that Clinton will also commit to internal IRS reforms designed to make the agency more efficient.

The administration move comes after sharp complaints from congressional Democrats and White House political advisers who worried that the administration appeared to be defending the agency during Republican-called hearings that highlighted taxpayer complaints.

In Other News:

Wednesday Oct. 8, 1997

• Senators Grill Ickes On Democratic Fund-Raising
• Democratic Fund-Raisers Will Testify If Immunized
• Bennett: No 'Distinguishing Characteristics'
• Clinton Replies To Thompson

E-Mail From Washington:
• Clinton To Propose IRS Citizens' Panel On Friday
• White House Works To Shore Up Democratic Fast Track Support
• Lott: Fund-Raising Investigation May Be Extended

News Briefs:
• Clinton Touts 'Unprecedented' Welfare-Roll Decline ...

Special Online Companion:
• The Money Trail: Democracy For Sale