(Washington, DC)  – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D. (R-South Louisiana) released the following statement today after the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), its operations and budget, and the 2012 tax return filing season. Chairman Boustany questioned IRS Commissioner, Douglas Shulman, on whether or not Tea Party groups’ and other groups’ tax-exempt status are being targeted due to their political views:

“It was brought to my attention that the IRS is seeking intrusive and detailed answers completely unrelated to an organization’s tax-exempt status. Congress has an obligation to provide vigorous oversight over IRS actions and activities to ensure the Constitutional rights of all groups, regardless of political views, are preserved and not infringed. Many groups in South Louisiana and across the country have voiced their frustrations with the IRS and the lengthy and cumbersome process in granting 501 (c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) status.”

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