IRS Controversy Examined at Congressional Hearing

Steven Miller has testified that an increase in the workload led to “foolish mistakes” and political discrimination in the IRS at a congressional hearing. Rep. Dave Camp, chairman of the Republican-led panel portrayed the controversy as animalistic, with conservative groups having to deal with exploitation by the IRS. Democrats who were present also voiced their anger at the targeting of conservative groups that were seeking tax-exempt status, but were quick to point out that it was former President George W. Bush who appointed the top IRS official.

The party went on to note that the inspector general’s report showed no indication of political motivation or influence from outside the IRS. The inspector general who filed the report, however, explained that he did notify top Treasury officials, including Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin that he was looking at the employees handling applications for tax-exempt status. Wolin has been invited to appear at another hearing next week on the IRS controversy.