Tonight, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) joined a bipartisan majority voting to hold Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about the improper use of the IRS to target political enemies.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER VOTES TO HOLD LOIS LERNER IN CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS SEEKS ANSWERS IN QUESTIONABLE IRS INVESTIGATION OF BILLY GRAHAM
Tonight, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) joined a bipartisan majority voting to hold Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about the improper use of the IRS to target political enemies.
Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is among the many conservative groups who faced unusual scrutiny and questionable delays by the IRS, in apparent retaliation for the religious organization’s public stance on the sanctity of marriage.
“The American people deserve to know if the Obama Administration used the IRS to target an enemies list,” said Congressman Pittenger. “Ms. Lerner’s testimony is critical to uncovering the truth. She has a responsibility to answer questions from the people’s elected representatives.”
Lois Lerner is the former Director of Exempt Organizations for the Internal Revenue Service and has previously apologized for IRS targeting of conservative Republican organizations and their donors, including groups using the phrase “Tea Party” and “Patriot” in their names. She has repeatedly been asked to testify before Congressional committees, including receiving a Congressional subpoena, but has steadfastly refused to answer any questions.
“If these allegations are true, the IRS should be held accountable for forcing a highly respected ministry to divert donations to defend a politically-motivated attack,” commented Congressman Pittenger. “History has shown that using federal agencies to target political enemies has devastating consequences.”
