Billy Long facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Billy Long
Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Nominee
Assuming office TBD
President	Donald Trump
Succeeding	Daniel Werfel
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 7th district
In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Roy Blunt
Succeeded by	Eric Burlison
Personal details
Born	William Hollis Long II (1955-08-11) August 11, 1955 (age 69) Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Barbara Long ​ (m. 1984)​
Children	2
Education	University of Missouri (attended)

William Hollis Long II (born August 11, 1955), known as Billy Long, is an American politician. He used to be an auctioneer and a lobbyist. From 2011 to 2023, he served as a U.S. representative for Missouri's 7th district. This means he was one of the people who represented his state in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He is a member of the Republican Party. In 2010, he was elected to the House. He took over the seat from Roy Blunt, who then became a U.S. Senator. Long's district covered a large part of southwestern Missouri. It included cities like Springfield, Joplin, and Branson. In 2022, he tried to become a U.S. Senator himself but did not win the primary election.

Billy Long was an early and strong supporter of Donald Trump. Recently, President Trump nominated him to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS is the U.S. government agency that collects taxes. Long has previously said he wants to get rid of the IRS. He also suggested replacing the current tax system with a flat tax. A flat tax means everyone pays the same percentage of their income in taxes.

Early Life and Education

Billy Long was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1955. His family has lived in Missouri for four generations. He went to the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was part of the Delta Upsilon fraternity there. After three years, he left college.

Later, Long attended a nine-day training program. This was at the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned a special title called "Certified Auctioneer." This title is given by the National Auctioneers Association.

Career Highlights

Before becoming a politician, Billy Long was a successful auctioneer. He owned a company called Billy Long Auctions, LLC. He was even named "Best auctioneer in the Ozarks" for seven years in a row. He also hosted a talk radio show on KWTO in Springfield.

Long is a member of several important groups. These include the National Association of Realtors and the National Auctioneers Association. He is also part of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. He belongs to the National Rifle Association of America and the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors.

Serving in the U.S. House

Billy Long was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years. He served from 2011 to 2023.

While in Congress, Long supported the Fair Tax Act. This bill was introduced in 2015 and again in 2017. If it had passed, it would have stopped all funding for the IRS. It would have also gotten rid of the income tax system. Instead, it would have created a 23% national sales tax.

In 2018, something funny happened during a House committee meeting. A person interrupted the meeting. Billy Long started pretending to be an auctioneer. He joked about selling the person's phone. This made many people in the audience laugh and clap.

Working as a Tax Advisor

After leaving Congress, Long started working as a Business and Tax Advisor. He helped small businesses understand the IRS's rules.

Since July 2023, he has also been a realtor. He joined a company called Lifetime Advisors. This company helps clients apply for tax credits. On his social media, Long calls himself a "Certified Tax & Business Advisor." He says he can help clients save a lot on their taxes. He got this certificate after taking a three-day course.

At Lifetime Advisors, Long encouraged clients to apply for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This is a special tax credit. The IRS temporarily stopped accepting applications for it. This was because many companies were making incorrect claims. Lifetime Advisors had a very broad view of who could get this credit. The IRS has warned companies not to trust firms that ask for a cut of a tax credit. However, Lifetime has helped companies claim $1.3 billion in tax credits. In 2024, Long went to Washington D.C. to ask the IRS to approve more of these tax credit claims.

Nominated to Lead the IRS

On December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to nominate Billy Long. He wants Long to be the new Commissioner of Internal Revenue. This means Long would be in charge of the IRS. During his time in Congress, Long had often supported bills to get rid of the IRS. President Trump said Long is a "people person" and is "well respected."

Some politicians are happy about this nomination. Republicans want changes at the IRS. Senator Senator Mike Crapo said he looks forward to Long's ideas. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation, a conservative group, also praised Trump's choice.

However, some Democrats are concerned. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the nomination. He pointed to Long's past involvement with the Employee Retention Credit. Representative Don Beyer also expressed concern. He mentioned Long's lack of experience and his past efforts to abolish the very agency he is now nominated to lead.

Political Views

Donald Trump

Billy Long was one of the first politicians to strongly support Donald Trump. He even said he came up with the phrase “getting on the Trump train." Trump has praised Long for being a hard worker.

After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump claimed there was voter fraud. Long supported these claims. In December 2020, he backed a lawsuit that challenged the election results.

Long also supported President Trump's 2017 order. This order temporarily banned people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

Tax-Exempt Rights

In his first year in Congress, Long asked the IRS to investigate the Humane Society of the United States. This was after the Humane Society supported a new rule in Missouri. This rule made dog breeding more regulated.

Healthcare

In 2014, Long introduced a resolution in the House. This was a symbolic gesture. It showed his frustration with how difficult it was for politicians to agree on important issues like healthcare. He wanted to highlight the lack of cooperation in Washington.

LGBT Rights

In 2015, the Supreme Court made a ruling called Obergefell v. Hodges. This ruling said that bans on same-sex marriage were against the U.S. Constitution. Billy Long spoke out against this ruling.

Election History

Billy Long ran for and won several elections to the U.S. House of Representatives.

2010 Election

In 2010, Long ran for the 7th Congressional District seat. The previous representative, Roy Blunt, decided to run for the U.S. Senate. In the Republican primary election, Long won with 36% of the votes. This district was very Republican, so winning the primary was almost like winning the main election.

In the general election, Billy Long won against his opponents.

2012 Election

Long was re-elected in 2012.

2014 Election

Long won his primary election in 2014 and was re-elected.

2016 Election

Long won his primary and was re-elected in 2016.

2018 Election

Long won his primary and was re-elected in 2018.

2020 Election

Long won his primary and was re-elected for his final term in 2020.

Committee Assignments

While in the House, Billy Long served on several important committees. These committees study different topics and help create laws.

• Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Power
  • Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
  • Subcommittee on Health
• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Committee on Homeland Security
• Republican Steering Committee

Caucus Memberships

Long was also part of different caucuses. These are groups of lawmakers who share common interests.

• Congressional Arts Caucus
• Congressional Constitution Caucus
• U.S.-Japan Caucus