Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tom Cotton (R-Dardanelle) released the following statement after voting to hold former IRS Director of Exempt Organizations Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress and to ask Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special counsel to investigate the IRS’s targeting of conservative groups:
“The IRS’s targeting of certain disfavored individuals and groups for harassment and intimidation because of their political and religious view is outrageous and appalling. Taxation is one of the most awesome powers the government has. As James Madison said, ‘the power to tax is the power to destroy.’ Such a gross abuse of government power against American citizens should not be tolerated and those responsible should be held accountable.
“It is regrettable—though unsurprising given the attitude of the Obama administration—that the IRS and Lois Lerner have spent the last year evading attempts by Congress to investigate this matter. I am hopeful today’s vote will be an important first step toward accountability at the IRS and I will continue to work to protect the American people from future abuses of government power.”
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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