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Paulsen Statement on Friday's Hearing Examining IRS Targeting Conservative Groups

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13th, 2013 

Paulsen Statement on Friday’s Hearing Examining IRS Targeting Conservative Groups

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statements after the Ways and Means Committee announced a hearing on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) practice of targeting applicants for tax-exempt status based on political ideology:

“It is unconscionable that the IRS deliberately targeted individuals based on their political beliefs. Absolutely no one should come under extra scrutiny from the IRS because of their political affiliation. It’s simply un-American.

“Beginning in June of 2011, the Ways and Means Committee has repeatedly asked the IRS for verification on whether or not it targeted groups based on their political views. On multiple occasions – including a March 2012 Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee hearing that I was a part of – the IRS explicitly denied such activities. Simply put, this type of activity must not be tolerated, and I expect those who authorized this outrageous activity to be held accountable.

“No American, regardless of their political ideology, should have their right to free speech threatened by the IRS. I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues to examine this issue and take steps to protect American taxpayers.”

*The hearing will take place on Friday, May 17th, in Room 1100 of the Longworth House Office Building, beginning at 9:00 A.M.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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