WASHINGTON – Members of Congress are seething over Lois Lerner’s decision to speak with the press, but not with them, after the key figure in the IRS scandal gave an interview to Politico and proclaimed her innocence.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., who serves on the committee investigating the IRS’ targeting of conservative groups, told WND, “It is truly baffling that Ms. Lerner refuses to testify before Congress, yet is eager to profess her innocence during an in-depth interview. If she truly has nothing to hide, then there is no reason for her objection to speaking before the House Oversight Committee.”
He added, “I hope Ms. Lerner will continue with her new-found desire to clear her name by coming before our committee, setting the record straight and providing the truth American taxpayers so rightfully deserve.”
Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, who is also on the oversight committee, told WND, “Let’s remember that she won’t be under oath when talking to the media.”
Also on the committee, Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich., told WND, “The American people deserve to hear the truth from Lois Lerner in an objective setting and under oath.”
“If Ms. Lerner truly believes she didn’t do anything wrong, as she stated, then there is absolutely no reason for her to not testify under oath before Congress and provide answers to the American taxpayers,” said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who is also on the committee.
Lerner publicly admitted the agency had improperly targeted conservative groups when answering a planted question at a conference. Meadows was referring to the fact Lerner will not speak with investigators, as she has twice refused to testify before Congress, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
“If Ms. Lerner does in fact believe that she is a scapegoat for higher-ups at the IRS, then she should come before Congress and clear her name. The America taxpayers deserve it,” Meadows added.
Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said, “If Lerner had nothing to hide and did nothing wrong in the IRS targeting scandal, she would have chosen to answer basic questions about her conduct instead of obstructing Congress’ investigation.”
“Her decision to make unsubstantiated claims to a media outlet while claiming Fifth Amendment protections from answering Congress’ questions is telling. She appears to have great confidence that her allies in the Obama administration will not consider legal action after she resigned and declined to discuss the IRS’ actions against private citizens,” added Issa.
Lerner is the former head of the IRS tax-exempt division that targeted conservative groups. She further aggravated committee members when she made a statement claiming her innocence before invoking the Fifth.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., claimed that by making that statement before the committee, she lost her right to invoke the Fifth. Congress has asked the Department of Justice to seek criminal charges against Lerner.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who has been chairing an oversight subcommittee looking into the IRS scandal, said Lerner’s refusal to testify is another reason Attorney General Eric Holder should appoint a special prosecutor to investigate.
“Lois Lerner’s interview is a poke in the eye to the American citizens who were targeted by the IRS for exercising their most fundamental right to speak out against their government. Ms. Lerner’s desire to play the victim to the press while refusing to answer questions about her conduct from Congress underscores why the House of Representatives held her in contempt,” said Jordan.
Oversight committee member Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., said, “Lois Lerner’s lack of remorse and clumsy attempt to exonerate herself through the media are curious in light of her persistent refusal to testify before Congress. If she conducted herself in a professional manner and did not abuse her authority, then why not answer questions under oath?”
Another committee member, Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., blasted the administration, saying, “Though this administration touted it would be the most transparent in history, its leaders clearly don’t agree with that mantra. From DOJ, to GSA, to EPA, to IRS and beyond, this administration has obfuscated and obstructed wherever possible to ensure Congress cannot conduct proper oversight as an equal branch of government.”
He also observed, “When federal agency officials send heavily redacted documents, refuse to testify and then turn around and give exclusive, informative interviews to the press, they lose the trust of those they serve. It remains a mystery why the IRS thinks it can speak to the press and remain silent to Congress at the same time.”
In the interview with Politico, Lerner claimed, “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I’m proud of my career and the job I did for this country,” she added.
“Regardless of whatever else happens, I know I did the best I could under the circumstances and am not sorry for anything I did,” she insisted.
Politico reported Lerner appeared, “[F]ierce, unapologetic and perhaps even tone-deaf when she says things that show her Democratic leanings.”
