The
Internal Revenue Service is in hot water with Congress after its "Star Trek" spoof video surfaced this week, and now William Shatner has voiced his outrage that the agency wasted taxpayer dollars to fund the video.
S
hatner, known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the "Star Trek" TV series, vented on Twitter Tuesday about the clip, which reportedly cost $60,000 to make.
Urgent: Obama or GOP: Who’s to Blame for Budget Crisis? Vote Now
The IRS has apologized for using taxpayer dollars to fund the video, which the agency said was made in 2010 for training purposes, although it wasn’t immediately clear what training value the clip has.
The video features an elaborate set depicting the control room of the spaceship seen on the hit TV show. IRS workers portray the characters, including one who plays Mr. Spock, complete with fake hair and pointed ears. The spaceship is approaching the planet "Notax," where alien identity theft appears to be a problem.
"The IRS recognizes and takes seriously our obligation to be good stewards of government resources and taxpayer dollars," the agency said in a statement. "There is no mistaking that this video did not reflect the best stewardship of resources."
Investigators from the House Ways and Means Committee reportedly requested the IRS turn over the video last week.
"There is nothing more infuriating to a taxpayer than to find out the government is using their hard-earned dollars in a way that is frivolous," said Republican Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana, chairman of the Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS admitted as much when it disclosed that it no longer produces such videos."
Editor's Note The IRS’ Worst Nightmare — How to Pay Zero Taxes
Related links:
Abrams Called Out by Shatner for Hogging 'Star Trek,' 'Star Wars'
NASA Scientist: 'Star Trek' Warp Speed is Doable