Billy Long
William H. Long II | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 11, 1955 Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, realtor, politician |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Known for | 51st Commissioner of Internal Revenue; U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th district (2011–2023) |
William Hollis Long II (born August 11, 1955) is an American auctioneer, realtor, and politician who held the position of the 51st Commissioner of Internal Revenue from June until August 2025. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he served as the congressional representative for Missouri's 7th district between 2011 and 2023.
Long secured his seat in Congress in the 2010 election, taking over from Roy Blunt, who advanced to the U.S. Senate. His jurisdiction encompassed a large portion of southwestern Missouri, including cities such as Springfield, Branson, and Joplin. When Blunt announced his decision not to run for re-election in 2022, Long pursued a Senate bid but was defeated in the Republican primary by Eric Schmitt.
An early and outspoken advocate for Donald Trump, Long was nominated by Trump to lead the Internal Revenue Service. Distinct from prior commissioners, Long does not possess direct experience within the tax sector and has publicly supported eliminating the IRS and substituting much of the tax framework with a flat tax system. The Senate confirmed his appointment in June 2025, and he assumed office in July.
On August 8, 2025, Trump dismissed Long from his role as IRS commissioner to facilitate his transition to a diplomatic post as ambassador to Iceland.
Early life and education
Born on August 11, 1955, in Springfield, William Hollis Long II is a fourth-generation resident of Missouri. He completed his K–12 education at Greenwood Laboratory School in 1973. Long attended the University of Missouri from 1973 through 1976 but did not obtain a degree. He later graduated from the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City in 1979. In 1983, he earned a professional certification from the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University Bloomington.
Career
From 1979 until 2011, Long operated as an auctioneer and owned Billy Long Auctions, LLC. He earned the title "Best Auctioneer in the Ozarks" for seven consecutive years. His achievements led to his induction into the National Auctioneers' Association Hall of Fame in 2016, following an earlier induction into the Missouri Professional Auctioneers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2009. Additionally, he hosted a talk radio program on Springfield’s KWTO and worked part-time as a real estate agent.
Long holds memberships with several organizations including the National Association of Realtors, National Auctioneers Association, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, National Rifle Association, and Greater Springfield Board of Realtors. He formerly served as President of the Missouri Auctioneers' Association.
U.S. House of Representatives
Between 2011 and 2023, Long represented Missouri’s 7th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He was one of seventy-five Republican co-sponsors backing the Fair Tax Act (H.R. 25/S. 18), introduced in both 2015 and 2017 by Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA). This legislation sought to gradually eliminate IRS funding by 2019, abolish the agency itself, and replace income taxes with a national retail sales tax set at 23%, primarily administered by individual states.
During a September 2018 hearing held by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce addressing alleged anti-conservative bias on social media platforms, far-right internet figure Laura Loomer disrupted proceedings. Utilizing his auctioneer background, Long effectively drowned out her interruptions by mock-auctioning her mobile phone until security escorted her out—an act that received applause from attendees.
In that same month, Long retweeted content that downplayed sexual assault accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, likening them to a "kiss on the forehead."
In December 2021, Long was honored with the Order of the Rising Sun by Japan’s Emperor in recognition of his notable efforts to enhance legislative cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Japan.
Tax consulting
In 2023, Long served as a sales representative for Lifetime Advisors and Commerce Terrace Consulting, firms that assist clients in applying for tax credits and receive a portion of the resulting benefits. On his X account, Long identified himself as a "Certified Tax & Business Advisor," a credential obtained after completing a three-day program offered by a Florida-based tax consultancy.
While at Lifetime Advisors, Long advocated for the contentious Employee Retention Credit (ERC), which the IRS temporarily suspended due to numerous improper claims. Lifetime Advisors interpreted eligibility criteria broadly, at times encouraging clients uncertain about their qualification to apply. Companies submitting inaccurate claims face potential IRS penalties, and the IRS has cautioned against firms that demand a share of tax credit proceeds. Lifetime Advisors has facilitated companies in claiming $1.3 billion in ERC credits. In 2023, Long asserted that he only assisted companies genuinely eligible for the credit. The ERC has resulted in $230 billion in government expenditures.
In 2024, Long engaged in lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., advocating for expanded IRS approval of additional tax credit claims.
Realtor
Long joined Murney Associates as a realtor in July 2023.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service
On December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to nominate Long as IRS commissioner. Throughout his time in Congress, Long consistently introduced legislation aimed at dismantling the IRS. Trump described him as a "people person" who enjoys respect from members across the political spectrum.
After his nomination in January 2025, Long's Senate committee received nearly $137,000 in campaign contributions, a significant increase from the under $36,000 raised over the previous two years. From these funds, he paid himself $130,000 to partially repay a $250,000 loan made during his 2022 Senate campaign. Observers raised concerns over the unusual surge in donations following his nomination to a role that influences government policy affecting donors.
Republican Senator Mike Crapo expressed eagerness to hear Long’s proposals regarding the agency. The conservative National Taxpayers Union welcomed Trump's choice as a positive step toward IRS reform. House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith regarded Long as an excellent candidate.
Some Democrats raised objections. Senator Ron Wyden criticized Trump's decision to replace outgoing commissioner Danny Werfel and pointed to Long’s prior association with the controversial ERC program. Representative Don Beyer, serving on the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, advocated for Werfel to finish his term and questioned Long’s suitability given his history of attempting to eliminate the IRS.
While awaiting confirmation by the Senate in March 2025, Long was appointed senior advisor at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), receiving the federal maximum salary of $195,200 despite reportedly minimal activity.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Long on June 12, 2025, with a vote of 53–44; he was sworn into office four days later.
On August 8, 2025, President Trump dismissed Long from his role as IRS commissioner less than two months after confirmation; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assumed the position of acting commissioner.
Donald Trump
Long was among the initial advocates for Donald Trump and asserted that he originated the expression "getting on the Trump train." Trump commended him as a "very diligent worker" who held significant esteem within Congress.
Following Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election and Trump's refusal to concede, Long supported Trump's unfounded allegations of electoral fraud. In December 2020, he endorsed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Texas v. Pennsylvania, which contested the election outcomes.
Long also endorsed Trump's 2017 executive order that prohibited entry into the United States for nationals from seven Muslim-majority nations.
Energy
Throughout his time in Congress, Long was a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he championed policies promoting affordable energy availability. In 2010, he signed the No Climate Pledge initiated by AFP and advocated for expanding oil drilling on the outer continental shelf. Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Long called for sanctions targeting Russian oil to diminish Putin's capacity to wage war.
Taxation
Long favors implementing either a flat tax or a fair tax system to streamline the U.S. tax code, criticizing its current complexity and its tendency to disincentivize achievement. Early in his congressional career, he co-sponsored the Fair Tax Act of 2011, which aimed to eliminate income and estate taxes in favor of a 23% sales tax. That same year, he also requested an IRS inquiry into the Humane Society of the United States due to their advocacy for tougher Missouri dog breeder regulations. In 2015, Long co-sponsored a bill proposing to abolish income taxes and the IRS altogether, replacing them with a federally administered national sales tax collected by states. Notably, in December 2024, despite his prior calls for dismantling the IRS, he was appointed as its head.
Healthcare
In 2014, Long introduced legislation called the Taxpayer Transparency Act, mandating that federal agencies clearly mark promotional or educational content as "paid for by taxpayers." This initiative was a response to a substantial advertising campaign by the Department of Health and Human Services promoting the Affordable Care Act. The bill successfully passed the House with modifications before proceeding to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Gun Policy
Long has consistently opposed enhanced gun control measures such as universal background checks and red-flag laws, contending that they violate Second Amendment protections and fail to effectively reduce gun violence. After the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, he sparked controversy by attributing an increase in mass shootings to abortion legalization.
He has regularly secured endorsements from the National Rifle Association, which awarded him an "A" rating for his pro-gun legislative efforts.
Violence Against Women Act
In 2013, Long opposed the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act.
Abortion
Long adopts a pro-life viewpoint, endorsing initiatives aimed at restricting abortion access, including measures to cut funding for Planned Parenthood. He was a co-sponsor of the Sanctity of Human Life Act, which seeks to grant full personhood status to fertilized embryos. Additionally, he supports reversing Roe v. Wade and favors abortion regulation at the state level. Long is against the use of federal funds for abortion services.
In 2015, he co-sponsored the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), legislation intended to ban most abortions beyond 20 weeks of gestation.
LGBTQ rights
Long publicly criticized the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. In 2022, he voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, a law requiring states and territories to recognize both same-sex and interracial marriages.
Religion
Long champions religious freedom and supported the First Amendment Defense Act, which safeguards religious objections to homosexuality and same-sex marriage under free speech protections. He also backed H.Con.Res.13, which reaffirms “In God We Trust” as the official national motto and promotes its display in public settings. Long is affiliated with the First and Calvary Presbyterian Church located in Springfield, Missouri.
Awards
- In 2021, Long was honored with the Order of the Rising Sun by the emperor of Japan.
- The Jordan Valley Community Health Center named a clinic the "Billy Long Medical & Dental Education Center" in his honor.
- He received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Greenwood Laboratory School, Missouri State.
- Long was inducted into the National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.
- He earned the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business.
- He was recognized with the National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.
2022
Republican primary Long competed in the Missouri Senate race against Attorney General Eric Schmitt. In a crowded Republican primary featuring 21 candidates, Long finished fourth, capturing approximately 5% of the vote—just over 32,500 ballots cast. Prominent rivals included former Governor Eric Greitens, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, and Missouri Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Schatz.
2010
- Republican primary
Following Roy Blunt's decision to run for U.S. Senate, Long entered the contest for Missouri’s 7th Congressional District. In a competitive seven-way Republican primary—effectively deciding the seat in this predominantly Republican area—Long emerged victorious with 36.56% of votes cast.
- General election
In the general election, Long won decisively with more than 63% of the vote, defeating Democrat Scott Eckersley and Libertarian Kevin Craig.
2012
Long secured re-election in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District with nearly 64% of votes, maintaining a commanding lead over Democratic opponent Jim Evans and Libertarian Kevin Craig.
2014
On August 5, during the Republican primary, Long secured victory over Marshall Works by earning 62.4% of the votes.
2016
In the Republican primary held on August 2, Long emerged victorious against Nathan Clay, Christopher Batsche, Matthew Evans, Lyndle Spencer, Matthew Canovi, James Nelson, and Mary Byrne.
2018
Long won the Republican primary against Jim Evans, Lance Norris, and Benjamin Holcomb. Subsequently, he defeated the Democratic candidate Jamie Schoolcraft in the general election.
2020
During the Republican primary on August 4, Long prevailed over Eric Harleman, Kevin VanStory, Steve Chetnik, and Camille Lombardi-Olive.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Energy and Commerce
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Committee on Homeland Security
- Republican Steering Committee
Caucus memberships
External links
|-
- 1955 births
- American auctioneers
- Candidates in the 2022 United States Senate elections
- Living people
- Politicians from Springfield, Missouri
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri
- 21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives
- 21st-century Missouri politicians
- Second Trump administration personnel