Sen. Ted Cruz Questions Eric Holder on the Investigation into IRS Targeting of Conservatives

[yota691]

  Sen. Ted Cruz Questions Eric Holder on the Investigation into IRS Targeting of Conservatives Edited January 29, 2014 by yota691

[dinar_stud]

Nice to see how Ted Cruz keeps the BS (conspiracy theories) alive. The sad part is there are people who believe all the BS.

 

 

IRS targeting included liberal groups

 

 

 

The Internal Revenue Service targeted liberal groups as well as conservatives seeking tax-exempt status, a Democratic congressman charged on Monday after the agency acknowledged the inappropriate practice continued until last month.

 

 

 

Rep. Sander Levin said the term "progressives" was included on IRS screening lists of applicants for tax-exempt status made available to Congress on Monday.

 

 

 

It was the first confirmation that the "Be on the Lookout" or BOLO lists used criteria targeting liberal groups after an inspector general's report made public last month said the IRS had used words such as "tea party" to determine possible extra scrutiny.

 

 

 

Earlier, the first substantive review of the controversy by the IRS showed the agency used multiple lists of inappropriate criteria in assessing tax-exempt applications up until this month, more than a year later than previously revealed.

 

 

 

Daniel Werfel, the IRS acting commissioner, provided no details of what inappropriate criteria were on the lists, but said "there was a wide-ranging set of categories and cases that spanned a broad spectrum."

 

 

 

The practice of using BOLO lists in considering tax-exempt applications has been suspended, Werfel told reporters.

 

 

 

Levin's disclosure that progressive groups also were targeted follows a liberal claim that their side also came under extra scrutiny based on political titles or other language in their applications.

 

 

 

In a statement, the Michigan Democrat questioned why the Treasury inspector general who initially disclosed the IRS targeting, J. Russell George, focused only on BOLO lists that contained conservative labels.

 

 

 

 

The inspector general's report "served as the basis and impetus for a wide range of congressional investigations, and this new information shows that the foundation of those investigations is flawed in a fundamental way," Levin's statement said.

 

 

 

 

A spokesperson for George later responded that the report focused only on BOLO criteria used to refer cases for extra scrutiny of potential political activity that would make groups ineligible for tax-exempt status.

 

 

 

 

Conservative groups complained about their applications being delayed for months and even years, receiving demands for inappropriate questioning from the IRS.

 

 

 

 

Republicans have claimed the controversy amounted to political retribution against enemies of the administration, an accusation denied by the White House and the IRS.

 

 

 

 

In response to Levin's statement, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Dave Camp said the inclusion of "progressives" on a BOLO list did not prove that liberal groups underwent the same extra scrutiny of conservative groups cited in the inspector general's report.

 

 

 

Political firestorm

 

 

 

 

The controversy that became public last month with the release of George's report ignited a political firestorm in Washington while fueling conservative mistrust of President Barack Obama's administration.

 

 

 

 

Use of some lists of conservative labels for further screening stopped in May 2012 when IRS officials were first notified of the practice.

 

 

 

 

However, Werfel's review showed that other inappropriate lists continued to be used until as recently as this month by the unit that handles tax-exempt applications.

 

 

 

 

Werfel was informed on June 12, 2013, that other BOLO lists were still in use. He immediately suspended use of any BOLO lists by the unit that handles tax-exempt applications, his review said.

 

 

 

 

He noted that his investigation, while still incomplete, found no evidence so far of intentional wrongdoing by IRS personnel, involvement by anyone outside the IRS or that targeting extended into other areas of the agency.

 

 

 

 

"Several key leaders, including some in the commissioner's office, failed in multiple capacities to meet their managerial responsibilities at various points during the course of these events," Werfel's report said. "Most notably, there was insufficient action by these leaders to identify, prevent, address, and disclose the problematic situation that materialized with the review of applications for tax exempt status."

 

 

 

 

Five IRS managers have been replaced, from the previous acting commissioner whom Werfel succeeded to the head of the unit based in Cincinnati that handles tax-exempt applications.

 

 

 

 

In addition, Werfel created an Accountability Review Board to recommend within 60 days "any additional personnel actions necessary to hold accountable those responsible" for the targeting disclosed by the inspector general's report.

 

 

 

 

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday that Obama believes Werfel's report "is an important step in ensuring accountability for any staff that acted inappropriately, identifies the failures in their systems that allowed the misconduct to happen, and takes a forward-looking systemic view at the agency's management."

 

 

 

 

The White House ordered the review by Werfel when he started the job on May 22 in the aftermath of George's audit that found targeting of some conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.

 

 

 

 

Werfel was given 30 days to complete the review, and the House Ways and Means Committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on the report, with Werfel as the lone witness.

 

 

 

 

Series of investigations

 

 

 

 

The targeting scandal and a separate inspector general's report that documented wasteful spending on IRS conferences in past years have led to a series of investigations of the tax collection agency by Congress, the Department of Justice, the tax administration inspector general's office and Werfel.

 

 

 

 

The IRS admitted there was unfair targeting of conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status starting in 2010, but officials said the action was a bureaucratic shortcut in its Cincinnati office rather than an exercise of political bias.

 

 

 

 

In his report that disclosed the misconduct, George said there was no evidence of a political motive. However, George is continuing to investigate the matter, along with the FBI and the congressional committees.

 

 

 

 

Republicans argue the controversy is proof that the administration and progressive groups have been trying to clamp down on those who disagree with Obama's agenda.

 

 

 

 

Camp, a Michigan Republican, said Monday that the IRS "still needs to provide clear answers to the most significant questions -- who started this practice, why was it allowed to continue for so long, and how widespread was it?"

 

 

 

 

"This culture of political discrimination and intimidation goes far beyond basic management failure and personnel changes alone won't fix a broken IRS," Camp said in a statement that promised continued investigation.

 

 

 

 

As part of his review, Werfel said 80 groups awaiting IRS action on their applications for tax exempt status for more than 120 days could self-register with the agency as long as they certified under penalty of perjury that they would comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

 

 

 

At the heart of the matter is what kind of organization can qualify for tax-exempt status. Regulations limit such status to groups primarily involved in social welfare activities, while political groups are considered ineligible.

 

 

 

 

Confusion over defining what constitutes political activity versus social welfare activity contributed to the targeting by the IRS, Werfel said.

 

 

 

 

An IRS statement on Monday said the "safe-harbor" option for self-certification would apply to groups that "certify they devote 60% or more of both their spending and time on activities that promote social welfare."

 

 

 

 

"At the same time, they must certify that political campaign intervention involves 40% or less of both their spending and time," the statement said. Applicants meeting those thresholds would get approval within two weeks of seeking self-certification, it said.

 

 

 

 

Werfel said the IRS would continue checking on tax-exempt groups to ensure they were following the law.

[bigwave]

"extra scrutiny based on political titles or other language in their applications."

Why in the world would the IRS go after "political titles or for other language in their applications." 

 

My feeling is that the should have some pretty good cause to target any one or group.

 

Another example of big government waste.

[SgtFuryUSCZ]

***///

 

..HOBUMMER SAID HE'D GET EVEN WITH HIS ENEMIES AND MAKE THEM PAY...

 

HE WASN'T KIDDING....

 

HE'S A PETTY, VINDICTIVE, SMALL-MINDED, RACE-BAITING HATER AND A WASTE OF SKIN.

[Shabibilicious]

 

GO RV, and NO BV

[Indraman]

To add even more truth to the fact that the AGs office is political, Holder is now investigating Target because of the data breach back in December. He wants to know if the Target Execs knew if their IT systems were safe from hackers and understand how this data breach even occurred at all. In the meantime, the ObummerCare website has launched a known 'unsecure' website with no consideration for the mandatory use of this website by the ObummerCare law. At least Target customers have the right to go elsewhere. So do you think Holder will be launching an investigation into the security of the ObummerCare website? After all his department only has the interest of the downtrodden on his mind (of course this is a sarcastic statement).

 

Indy

[Shabibilicious]

Hey Canada.......your polite response earned me a neg, eh.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

[R2D2]

No Shab I neged you too. Seems you are hell bent on the distraction. Rather than finding the truth. Sorry Dude you deserved it!

[Maggie123]

Hey Canada.......your polite response earned me a neg, eh.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

 

Dang I've hit my quota for the day Shabs... I'll fix it for you when I get my refill tonight.

[Bunk]

   Here's A Great Big       For Those Of You Defending The IRS ....  Pretty Assinine .....

[Maggie123]

No Shab I neged you too. Seems you are hell bent on the distraction. Rather than finding the truth. Sorry Dude you deserved it!

 

At least you were honest about it R2D2 that is my policy too... I say I did and why.

 

Makes me think twice before adding... well ummm... negativity. Not something I really want to do.

 

As for Shabs... I find him to be very honest with an incredibly good nature.

[Indraman]

At least you were honest about it R2D2 that is my policy too... I say I did and why.

 

Makes me think twice before adding... well ummm... negativity. Not something I really want to do.

 

As for Shabs... I find him to be very honest with an incredibly good nature.

Have to agree with ya here Mags; although I almost never agree with what Shabs posts, I often find his humor refreshing,even though my side typically is the brunt of the joke.

 

Indy

[Maggie123]

Have to agree with ya here Mags; although I almost never agree with what Shabs posts, I often find his humor refreshing,even though my side typically is the brunt of the joke.

 

Indy

 

Thanks Indy... your honesty is much appreciated too... I'll catch up to you later with a + as well

[Maggie123]

Gotcha Indy

 

Shabs I tried... sheesh it turns into a negging frenzy sometimes...

 

Just be happy and stick those rubies in your safe because now you are rich!

[Shabibilicious]

No Shab I neged you too. Seems you are hell bent on the distraction. Rather than finding the truth. Sorry Dude you deserved it!

 

You know how you and most on this site feel about President Obama.........That's how I feel about Ted Cruz, as well as, the IRS.  Please don't preach to me about the truth......I hear that same crap all the time.  Everybody seems to know the truth but me.  It's funny really.....I get labeled "sheeple", when in all reality that's what the conservatives on this site want me to be......"Fall in line boy, fly right."  In regards to causing a distraction, I don't set out to accomplish that.  Look at it more as childish comic relief.  Here's an example:  You know how they say most politicians have their heads up their @ss?.......Makes you question the enormous amount of "dippity do" in Teddy's hair, doesn't it?      When I'm being serious, you'll know it.  As for the negs, I'm a big boy.  I can handle it.  Thank you for your honesty, though.   

 

GO RV, and NO BV

Have to agree with ya here Mags; although I almost never agree with what Shabs posts, I often find his humor refreshing,even though my side typically is the brunt of the joke.

 

Indy

 

Come over to our side, Indy........we have cookies.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

[dog53]

You know how you and most on this site feel about President Obama.........That's how I feel about Ted Cruz, as well as, the IRS.  Please don't preach to me about the truth......I hear that same crap all the time.  Everybody seems to know the truth but me.  It's funny really.....I get labeled "sheeple", when in all reality that's what the conservatives on this site want me to be......"Fall in line boy, fly right."  In regards to causing a distraction, I don't set out to accomplish that.  Look at it more as childish comic relief.  Here's an example:  You know how they say most politicians have their heads up their @ss?.......Makes you question the enormous amount of "dippity do" in Teddy's hair, doesn't it?      When I'm being serious, you'll know it.  As for the negs, I'm a big boy.  I can handle it.  Thank you for your honesty, though.   

 

GO RV, and NO BV

 

Come over to our side, Indy........we have cookies.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

 

Seriously  you have cookies ? 

[R2D2]

Shabs you say you feel the same about Cruz and IRS. Perhaps Sir, you do not understand Ted Cruz. I relate to him because he uses those big words freedom, liberty, smaller government, lower taxes, personal choices,  less mandates. I realize that you being of the liberal faith you don't hear that kind of language. Take my word for it, Cruz is in your corner too. I voted for him and promoted him because of his stated beliefs. He told the state of Texas what he would do when he arrived at the Cesspool. So far he is doing exactly what he promised while on the stump.  That displayed quality I find refreshing. Most of those I have sent to the cesspool does what ever the lobbist pay them to do. Most o the time that is in the interest of the special interest. Not the public or what is good for our county.

 

Maybe you could change you mind if you could listen to what he says, then set back and watch what he does. Every thing I see from the JR. Senator is in the interest of We the people.

 

Sir of course this is just my opinion. You might not like it. If you don't you just don't see the effort. It might help to slow down on the koolaid, let the fog clear and watch from that perspective, Peace Brother!       

[Shabibilicious]

Shabs you say you feel the same about Cruz and IRS. Perhaps Sir, you do not understand Ted Cruz. I relate to him because he uses those big words freedom, liberty, smaller government, lower taxes, personal choices,  less mandates. I realize that you being of the liberal faith you don't hear that kind of language. Take my word for it, Cruz is in your corner too. I voted for him and promoted him because of his stated beliefs. He told the state of Texas what he would do when he arrived at the Cesspool. So far he is doing exactly what he promised while on the stump.  That displayed quality I find refreshing. Most of those I have sent to the cesspool does what ever the lobbist pay them to do. Most o the time that is in the interest of the special interest. Not the public or what is good for our county.

 

Maybe you could change you mind if you could listen to what he says, then set back and watch what he does. Every thing I see from the JR. Senator is in the interest of We the people.

 

Sir of course this is just my opinion. You might not like it. If you don't you just don't see the effort. It might help to slow down on the koolaid, let the fog clear and watch from that perspective, Peace Brother!       

 

This was actually a pretty good read, noncondescending........right up to the point where you felt the need to impose the ever present conservative staple, "koolaid".  One sentence too many I guess.  Peace to you as well, R2D2.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

[Indraman]

You know how you and most on this site feel about President Obama.........That's how I feel about Ted Cruz, as well as, the IRS.  Please don't preach to me about the truth......I hear that same crap all the time.  Everybody seems to know the truth but me.  It's funny really.....I get labeled "sheeple", when in all reality that's what the conservatives on this site want me to be......"Fall in line boy, fly right."  In regards to causing a distraction, I don't set out to accomplish that.  Look at it more as childish comic relief.  Here's an example:  You know how they say most politicians have their heads up their @ss?.......Makes you question the enormous amount of "dippity do" in Teddy's hair, doesn't it?      When I'm being serious, you'll know it.  As for the negs, I'm a big boy.  I can handle it.  Thank you for your honesty, though.   

 

GO RV, and NO BV

 

Come over to our side, Indy........we have cookies.    

 

GO RV, and NO BV

It would take alot more than cookies to get me to go over to your side; I am pretty content and sure of where I stand.

 

Indy

[R2D2]

You forgot to mention misguided. The rest Agree!