Feb. 6, 2014, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Richard Manning today issued the following statement urging the House of Representatives to use its power of the purse to force the Attorney General to appoint a special counsel to investigate the IRS tea party targeting scandal:
“Congressman Jim Jordan earned the nation’s respect today for holding a hearing highlighting the IRS abuses against conservative oriented social welfare groups. It was astonishing to hear Democrats on the Committee continue to deny the obvious weaponization of government experienced by these Americans triggered for no other reason than their decision to formally engage in the political process.
“It is truly embarrassing that these Democrats, who purport to support democracy and involvement, would make excuses and even go so far as to attack those who have already been victimized once.
“Fortunately, Catherine Engelbrecht of True the Vote and Becky Gerritson of Wetumpka Tea Party in Alabama continue to refuse to be victims and will not be silenced. Their efforts, along with outstanding members of Congress like Mr. Jordan have brought the Obama Administration’s obvious abuse of power to the national spotlight.
“Last year, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called for a special counsel to investigate and prosecute these egregious abuses of power that threaten the fabric of our representative democracy. That call was echoed today by Representative Trey Gowdy of South Carolina. It is clear that the Justice Department is stonewalling any legitimate investigation and there is no longer any excuse for denying a legitimate independent investigation of these blatant attacks on the fundamental right to dissent.
“To force the issue, Congress using its power of the purse should stop all attempts by the IRS to impose new regulations governing social welfare groups, and additionally force a full investigation into these abuses by a special counsel.”
Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at (703)383-0880 or at media@algnews.org to arrange an interview with ALG experts including ALG President Nathan Mehrens.
###