IRS may well have violated criminal laws.
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. The alleged actions by government employees to target conservative organizations are dangerous unconstitutional and possibly criminal said Cong. Lamar Smith (R-TX) during a House Judiciary Committee hearing today questioning Attorney Gen. Eric Holder about the Justice Departments investigation into allegations that IRS employees intentionally targeted conservative organizations including Tea Party-affiliated groups.
Specifically Smith the immediate past chairman of the House Judiciary Committee asked if the Departments investigation would be limited to the Ohio revelations of additional scrutiny required in their applications for tax-exempt status or if it would be a nationwide investigation that examines allegations of unfair targeting of conservative groups across the nation.
In response to Smiths question Attorney General Holder confirmed that the investigation would be nationwide and not
simply limited to the actions of individuals in Ohio. The Texas Congressman also pressed Holder about what recourse a targeted group might have against the IRS for the possible violation of their 1st Amendment rights. Specifically Representative Smith asked if groups might be able to recoup any finances lost while responding to the unfair scrutiny of IRS employees. Targeting organizations for their political views threatens our democracy and violates the 1st Amendment of the Constitution. And IRS employees who singled out conservative organizations for additional scrutiny may well have violated criminal laws.
I will hold the Attorney General to his word that the Justice Department will conduct a nationwide investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead. If federal employees are found to have violated the law the Justice Department must prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. And the federal government should also be held responsible for reimbursing conservative organizations for any additional expenses they incurred in responding to the unfair scrutiny of the IRS" said Smith.
In late May 2012 Smith wrote IRS Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman about allegations that the San Antonio Tea Party had been subject to delays and burdensome information requests in connection with their applications for tax-exempt status.
I request that you provide a response for how recent requests like those sent to the San Antonio Tea Party and other civic organizations across the country are supported by law wrote Smith.More information about todays hearing including the webcast is available at the House Judiciary Committee website.
