Smith: Time for IRS to Fully Cooperate

Agency claims to have lost e-mails from individuals being investigated for targeting political groups

           Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to fully cooperate with congressional investigators.  Earlier today, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen testified before a Committee on Ways and Means hearing.  The committee is investigating the IRS for targeting conservative groups for political purposes.  Last week, the agency informed the committee it had lost e-mails requested through the investigation from former IRS official Lois Lerner and six other individuals.

“More than a year into the investigation of political targeting of conservative groups by the IRS, it is clear the agency needs to fully cooperate,” said Smith.  “The Obama Administration also needs to appoint a special prosecutor in this case.  Until then, the American people cannot have confidence the IRS is carrying out its responsibilities fairly and without political bias.”