On Feb. 15, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notified a Liberty City, FL, church that it is under investigation for engaging in partisan political activity. The investigation stems from an October 2004 appearance at a service by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). If the church is found to have engaged in prohibited political activity, it could lose its tax-exempt status.

Under orders from a federal court to reconsider its exemption of Internet communications from campaign finance regulations, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) proposed new rules on March 24, seeking public comment on a variety of issues. The proposed rules, which provide more questions than answers, were preceded by an outcry from bloggers, members of Congress and others concerned about possible over-regulation of Internet political activity. Comments are due in late May and a public hearing will be held in later June.

President Bush's Advisory Panel on Tax Reform has hit the road over the past month and a half holding six public meetings in their efforts to reform the country's tax code. The panel, which will submit suggestions to Treasury Secretary John Snow by July 31, has heard testimony from a variety of experts. The panel is charged with reforming the federal tax code to make it simpler, fairer, and more conducive to economic growth and job creation.

A recent accident at a Texas oil refinery reminds us of the need for Congress to pass chemical security legislation that identifies hazardous chemical-using facilities and requires company plans both for reducing chemical hazards and improving site security through safer materials or processes wherever feasible.