Major Controversies Surrounding Billy Long: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Billy Long—discover key moments of controversy.

William "Billy" Long is an American politician, realtor, and auctioneer. He served as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2023. Currently, since 2025, he is the 51st commissioner of internal revenue. Long is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2013: Vote Against Violence Against Women Act Re-authorization

In 2013, Billy Long voted against re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

2015: Condemnation of Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling

In 2015, Billy Long condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage.

2015: Cosponsorship of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

In 2015, Billy Long cosponsored the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), which sought to prohibit most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

September 2018: Mock Auction During House Committee Hearing

During a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing in September 2018, Billy Long performed a mock auction chant of Laura Loomer's phone as she was being escorted out for disrupting the meeting, which generated laughter and applause.

September 2018: Retweet Regarding Kavanaugh Allegations

In September 2018, Billy Long retweeted a Twitter post comparing sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh to a "kiss on the forehead".

December 2020: Support for Texas v. Pennsylvania Lawsuit

In December 2020, Billy Long supported an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit contesting the results of the 2020 election based on fraud allegations.

2022: Vote Against the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Billy Long voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which required states to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages.

2022: Comments on Mass Shootings and Abortion

In 2022, following the Uvalde school shooting, Billy Long stated that the legalization of abortion was to blame for the increase in mass shootings.

December 2024: Appointment to Lead the IRS

In December 2024, Billy Long was appointed to lead the IRS, an organization he had previously called to abolish.

January 2025: Campaign Contributions and Loan Repayment

In January 2025, Billy Long received nearly $137,000 in campaign contributions to his Senate campaign committee and then paid himself $130,000 for a loan he made to his 2022 US Senate campaign, drawing scrutiny from watchdog groups.

January 20, 2025: Danny Werfel Stepped Down as Commissioner

On January 20, 2025, Danny Werfel stepped down as commissioner. Senator Ron Wyden criticized President Trump for wanting to replace Danny Werfel, and Long's involvement with the scam-plagued Employee Retention Credit.