10.27.17

McConnell on IRS Targeting During Obama Administration

‘While five years is too late, I’m happy the IRS finally admitted they targeted conservative groups during the Obama Administration. This shameful scandal was a direct and deliberate violation of these groups’ and individuals’ First Amendment rights.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the settlement reached by the Justice Department with groups that were targeted in the IRS scandal:

“While five years is too late, I’m happy the IRS finally admitted they targeted conservative groups during the Obama Administration. This shameful scandal was a direct and deliberate violation of these groups’ and individuals’ First Amendment rights.

“We knew back in 2012 that the Obama Administration IRS was targeting its political opponents leading up to the presidential election by singling out conservative groups. My constituents in Kentucky were targeted, as were thousands of others across the country. It was clear as day. But this was swept under the rug by Obama Administration bureaucrats and Congressional Democrats who blocked serious and legitimate oversight attempts every step of the way. After we spoke out loudly and frequently, calling for the bad actors to be punished and officials to be held accountable, the Obama administration refused to act. With a new administration, we will no longer have this wrongdoing.”

Background: Prior Leader McConnell remarks on the targeting scandal can be found below.

May 10, 2013: McConnell Calls on Obama Administration to Conduct Government-wide Review in Wake of IRS Admission of Harassment

December 19, 2013: McConnell to Oppose Confirmation of IRS Commissioner Nominee

Related Issues: IRS