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Graves Votes For Special Counsel To Investigate IRS Targeting Scandal
Also Votes To Hold Former IRS Official In Contempt Of Congress

Washington, May 7 -

Today, U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for, and the House passed, two measures related to the investigation into the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) targeting of conservative non-profit groups. House Resolution 565 requested that the Justice Department appoint a special counsel to investigate the IRS.

“Abusing government power to target people for their beliefs is an extraordinary violation of the public trust,” said Rep. Graves. “Yet, the Justice Department responded to the IRS scandal by picking a Democratic donor to be the lead investigator—another outrage that further undermined confidence in the government. Without truth there is no justice, and I believe the appointment of an independent special counsel is necessary to uncover the full truth.”

The other resolution that passed was to hold Lois Lerner, former IRS Director of Exempt Organizations, in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

“As a central figure in the IRS targeting scandal who has waived her Fifth Amendment right, Ms. Lerner should comply with the subpoena or face criminal prosecution,” said Rep. Graves.

Rep. Graves was one of the first members of Congress to publicly question the IRS about the targeting of conservative groups, according to a report by Yahoo News. Under questioning from Rep. Graves during a March 21, 2012, committee hearing, former IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman denied the allegations of targeting.

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