without objection i would like to answer a statement from mister bradley schneider was unable to attend this hearing . now we will turn to our witness, commissioner rettig please join us here in person to discuss this very important issue. your statement will be made a part of the record in its entirety. i would ask that you summarize your testimony in five minutes or less to help you with that kind please keep an eye on the clock if you go over your time i will notify you with my gavel. missionary rettig, you may begin . >> thank you chairwoman chu and members of the subcommittee. thank you for the opportunity to discussthe filing season . before i continue with my openingstatement , i need to address something personal which is this may be my last time testifying in front of this committee. my statutory term expires november 12 of this year but s every time i testify on the hill i have had the extreme privilege teof being accompanied by the same person who is sitting behind me. diane grant has been with the irs more than 50 years. that time with diane every single day that if folks th