WASHINGTON, DC -- The fallout from the IRS scandal continued Monday. First, President Barack Obama said in a press conference that he, "will not tolerate" the IRS targeting the Tea Party and other conservative groups.
The IRS has apologized for withholding tax-exempt status from groups with the words 'tea party' or 'patriot' in their names. The practice apparently dates back to at least 2011.
Many Republican lawmakers say they highly doubt the practice was the work or idea of low-level IRS employee in Cincinnati, as the IRS has stated.
Now, local Congressman Mike Turner, who is on the House Oversight Committee, announced that he's proposing a bill to outlaw political hit lists.
"We believe that it should be a crime," Turner said, "So that if somebody in the IRS walks into another employee's office and tells them that they want to discriminate a person or group based upon their political beliefs -- hopefully, if it's a crime the other employee will think twice, and will stop this type of behavior."
The IRS denies any political motive in this incident, but critics say the agency did not select any liberal or progressive groups for additional checks.
An IRS audit is expected this week, with the President and IRS leaders promising a review. GOP lawmakers, however, want an independent investigation.
The IRS has apologized for withholding tax-exempt status from groups with the words 'tea party' or 'patriot' in their names. The practice apparently dates back to at least 2011.
Many Republican lawmakers say they highly doubt the practice was the work or idea of low-level IRS employee in Cincinnati, as the IRS has stated.
Now, local Congressman Mike Turner, who is on the House Oversight Committee, announced that he's proposing a bill to outlaw political hit lists.
"We believe that it should be a crime," Turner said, "So that if somebody in the IRS walks into another employee's office and tells them that they want to discriminate a person or group based upon their political beliefs -- hopefully, if it's a crime the other employee will think twice, and will stop this type of behavior."
The IRS denies any political motive in this incident, but critics say the agency did not select any liberal or progressive groups for additional checks.
An IRS audit is expected this week, with the President and IRS leaders promising a review. GOP lawmakers, however, want an independent investigation.
