Ayotte: IRS Official's Refusal to Answer Questions Underscores Need for Investigation

Statement

As Congress continues to seek answers from IRS officials about recent revelations that the agency targeted specific groups of Americans based on their suspected views, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) said that Lois Lerner's refusal to answer questions today at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing highlights the urgent need for a thorough, bipartisan investigation.

Senator Ayotte released the following statement:

"Ms. Lerner's assertion of the Fifth Amendment further underscores the need for a bipartisan investigation to get to the bottom of why the agency targeted certain groups and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions. If she hasn't done anything wrong, why is she refusing to answer Congress' questions on the basis that she will incriminate herself? Private citizens can't avoid IRS demands for information, and IRS officials shouldn't dodge tough questions from lawmakers. To protect Americans from an overzealous IRS, we need answers and we need them now."

Source