Billy Long

William Hollis Long II, commonly known as Billy Long, is an American politician and former U.S. Representative who served Missouri's 7th congressional district from 2011 until 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Long is also recognized for his career as an auctioneer and his involvement in various civic organizations. His tenure in Congress was marked by a focus on tax reform and fiscal policy, as well as a commitment to his constituents in southwestern Missouri.

Early life and career

Billy Long was born on August 11, 1955, in Springfield, Missouri, where he is a fourth-generation native. He completed his primary and secondary education at the Greenwood Laboratory School, graduating in 1973. Long pursued higher education at the University of Missouri from 1973 to 1976, although he did not complete a degree there. He later attended the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, graduating in 1979. In 1983, he furthered his professional credentials by earning a designation from the Certified Auctioneers Institute, which is hosted at Indiana University Bloomington.

Long's professional career began in the auctioneering business, where he established Billy Long Auctions, LLC, which he operated from 1979 until he entered Congress in 2011. His auctioneering skills earned him recognition, and he was named "Best Auctioneer in the Ozarks" for seven consecutive years. In addition to his auctioneering work, Long was active in media as a talk radio show host on KWTO in Springfield and worked part-time as a realtor. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Association of Realtors, the National Auctioneers Association, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, among others. He also served as president of the Missouri Auctioneers' Association and was inducted into the National Auctioneers' Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

House tenure

Billy Long was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, filling the seat vacated by Roy Blunt when Blunt was elected to the U.S. Senate. Long's first term in Congress began in January 2011, and he was re-elected multiple times, serving a total of six terms until his departure from the House on January 3, 2023. During his time in Congress, Long represented a district that encompasses much of southwestern Missouri, including the cities of Springfield, Branson, and Joplin.

Throughout his congressional career, Long was known for his support of tax reform initiatives. He was among the co-sponsors of the Fair Tax Act, which aimed to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and replace the current income tax system with a national retail sales tax. This legislation was first introduced in 2015 and reintroduced in 2017, reflecting Long's commitment to significant changes in the federal tax structure.

In addition to his legislative efforts, Long was involved in various notable incidents during his time in office. One such incident occurred during a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing in September 2018, when he humorously interrupted a protest by far-right internet personality Laura Loomer by pretending to auction her mobile phone. This moment was met with laughter and applause from the audience, showcasing Long's unique approach to engaging with constituents and the media.

Long's tenure also included a controversial retweet in September 2018, where he compared sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh to a benign gesture. This action drew attention and sparked discussions regarding his views on sensitive social issues. In recognition of his contributions to U.S.-Japan relations, Long received the Order of the Rising Sun in December 2021, an honor bestowed by the emperor of Japan.

In 2021, Long announced his candidacy for the 2022 United States Senate election in Missouri, joining a competitive field that included several prominent Republican figures. Ultimately, he finished fourth in the primary election, receiving a small percentage of the vote.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Billy Long served on various committees that shaped his legislative focus. His work primarily revolved around fiscal policy, tax reform, and issues pertinent to his constituents in Missouri. Long's support for the Fair Tax Act exemplified his commitment to overhauling the federal tax system, seeking to replace income tax with a consumption-based model.

Long's engagement with social media and public discourse was also notable, as evidenced by his interactions during congressional hearings and his retweets on controversial topics. His approach often blended humor with serious legislative discussions, which resonated with some constituents while drawing criticism from others.

After leaving Congress, Long transitioned back into the private sector, where he took on roles in tax consulting and real estate. He worked as a salesperson for companies focused on helping clients apply for tax credits, including the Employee Retention Credit, which had faced scrutiny from the IRS due to improper claims. Long's self-description as a "Certified Tax & Business Advisor" reflects his continued involvement in tax-related matters.

In December 2024, Long was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, a position that marked a significant shift from his previous legislative efforts to abolish the agency. His confirmation by the U.S. Senate occurred in June 2025, but he was removed from the position shortly thereafter as part of a transition to an ambassadorship.

Billy Long's career has been characterized by his dual roles as a public servant and a businessman, with a focus on tax policy and community engagement throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. His legacy includes a blend of legislative initiatives, public appearances, and a return to the private sector, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his professional journey.