Stephen Colbert Asks the IRS for Permission to Testify

(AP Photo | Alex Brandon)

Comedian Stephen Colbert, whose gags have pointed out the absurdity of U.S. campaign finance laws since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling, asked the IRS Thursday for permission to testify on proposed rules governing the political activity of social welfare nonprofits.

Colbert said in a comment filed with the IRS that the proposed rules “raise serious constitutional and legal issues” for social welfare nonprofits. These organizations have become known as “dark money” groups, because they allow political operatives to spend money on electoral activity without having to disclose donors.

Stephen Colbert Comment to IRS