“The AICPA is pleased to endorse this bill, and we appreciate Representatives Panetta and Rice for working together to introduce this important legislation,” Edward Karl, AICPA vice president of taxation, said in a press statement. “Ensuring that tax preparers are competent and ethical, and that the IRS has the tools it needs to conduct appropriate oversight, is critical to maintaining taxpayer confidence in our tax system and protecting the interests of the American taxpayer.” The proposed bill also has been endorsed by other external stakeholder organizations.