House Panel Votes IRS Official Must Testify

Partisan resolution concludes Lerner waived 5th Amendment rights

WND

Jerome R. Corsi

In a partisan vote today, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee set the stage to force IRS official Lois Lerner to testify about the agency’s targeting of conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.

The committee passed a resolution, 22-17, concluding that in a May 22 appearance before the committee, Lerner waived her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination by claiming innocence.

The resolution noted Lerner stated: “I have not done anything wrong. I have not broken any laws. I have not violated any IRS rules or regulations, and I have not provided false information to this or any other congressional committee.”

The language of the resolution relied on the legal principle that “a witness may not testify voluntarily about a subject and then invoke the privilege against self-incrimination when questioned about the details.”

At issue is whether Lerner implemented a political agenda by discriminating against groups filing for tax-exempt status that have the words “tea party,” “patriot,” or “9-12” in their titles. The IRS has admitted such groups were given additional scrutiny. Some Republicans suspect the goal was to delay approval of conservative groups through the 2010 and 2012 election cycles while expediting progressive groups.

Today’s vote sets the stage for committee to recall Lerner to force her to answer specific questions about statements she made under oath during her appearance before the committee May 22.

Should Lerner refuse to appear before the committee a second time after being subpoenaed to testify, or should she still refuse to answer questions after being recalled before the committee, she may face contempt of Congress charges.

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Reposted with permission.