IRS Sets Record Straight on GOP Accusations of Criminal Obstruction of Congress

Aug 2, 2013
Press Release

ICYMI, IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel sent a letter today responding to extremely inflammatory accusations made on Tuesday by Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Subcommittee Chairman Jim Jordan that the IRS has been engaged in criminal obstruction of the Committee’s investigation into the treatment of applicants for tax exempt status. 

Werfel’s letter explains in detail the exhaustive steps the IRS has taken to date, including:

  • dedicating more than 100 employees to gather, review, and prepare documents;
  • producing 70,000 pages of documents;
  • facilitating 29 interviews by congressional committees; and
  • responding to 41 different letters from Members of Congress.

Werfel wrote:  “I continue to strongly disagree with the characterization of the facts set forth in your July 30 letter and your statement that the IRS has attempted, in any way, to impede the on-going investigations being conducted by your committee.  I remain committed to working with the Congress and the ongoing investigations, and to restoring public trust in our nation’s tax system.”

113th Congress