Former Missouri congressman Billy Long accused of promising favors to business associates during Senate confirmation hearing

Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long is facing fierce U.S. Senate Democratic opposition to his nomination to lead the IRS. 

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden accused Long of promising favors to business associates if he gets the job, which allegedly happened at President Trump’s inauguration. 

Long denies the accusation:

“I can answer that with an affirmative ‘no.’ I was in my room for about 50 hours because I had food poisoning during the inauguration. So, I didn’t talk to many people.”

Republicans on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee defended Long and are supporting his nomination as IRS Commissioner. 

Fellow Missouri Republican Eric Schmitt, who defeated Long in 2022’s GOP primary for U.S. Senate, says he supports Long’s nomination.