This report is a sham!

Summary

In a heated congressional hearing, IRS officials faced tough questioning about alleged targeting of conservative organizations. The inquiry focused on the lack of clarity regarding who initiated the scrutiny, leaked taxpayer information, and whether there was intentional misconduct within the IRS. Despite ongoing investigations, officials claimed they had not interviewed key personnel or uncovered crucial evidence. The questioning committee expressed frustration over perceived cover-ups and emphasized their commitment to uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable, insisting on transparency and the integrity of the IRS moving forward.

Takeaways

• 📋 The IRS is under investigation for targeting conservative organizations based on their political beliefs.
• 🔍 Key questions remain about who initiated the targeting and the criteria used for scrutiny.
• ❓ The IRS commissioner has not personally interviewed any employees involved in the investigation.
• 🚨 There are ongoing reviews by the Inspector General of the Justice Department regarding IRS actions.
• 📰 The leaking of private taxpayer information to media outlets is a major concern, with no clear answers on who was responsible.
• 🔒 The investigation includes whether IRS employees shared private information with other federal agencies.
• 📉 Lawmakers criticize the report's conclusion of no intentional wrongdoing as insufficient and lacking substance.
• ⚖️ The importance of following legal procedures and the rule of law in gathering evidence is emphasized by the commissioner.
• 🔎 Committee members express a determination to uncover the truth and hold accountable those involved in the alleged abuses.
• 📅 Lawmakers demand a commitment from the IRS to return in 30 days with more detailed answers to outstanding questions.

Q & A

Who initiated the targeting of conservative organizations for extra scrutiny?

The exact individual or group who initiated the targeting is still under investigation and has not been identified.

What is the role of the Inspector General in this investigation?

The Inspector General is interviewing various IRS employees to uncover facts related to the targeting and leaks of taxpayer information.

What information was leaked to the Huffington Post and Human Rights Campaign?

Private taxpayer information, including donor details from conservative groups, was leaked, but the identity of the leaker remains unknown.

Did the IRS personnel intentionally leak private information?

The Inspector General's review concluded that the releases of information were not intentional.

What is the IRS's stance on involvement from the White House?

The testimony indicates that there is no awareness of involvement from the White House or the Treasury Department in the targeting or intimidation of applicants.

What has the witness stated about the investigation process?

The witness expressed that the investigation is ongoing and they are committed to following the rule of law and procedure while uncovering the facts.

What was the response to the characterization of the report as a 'whitewash'?

The witness disagreed with the characterization, stating that the report's conclusions were based on the available evidence.

Will the IRS commit to providing more answers in the future?

Yes, the witness committed to returning to the committee in 30 days with more complete answers as they become available.

What are the committee's intentions regarding the investigation?

The committee intends to uncover the full truth about the abuses within the IRS, hold accountable those involved, and ensure such actions do not occur again.

What concerns were raised about the IRS's past actions?

Concerns were raised regarding patterns of abuse and intimidation aimed at silencing conservative voices and the mishandling of taxpayer information.