Conservative groups had complained that the IRS was unjustifiably scrutinizing their tax-exempt status during the 2012 election cycle.
In early 2013 Lois Lerner, the then director of the Exempt Organizations Unit of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), initially claimed that organizations had been given additional scrutiny if their applications included the words “Tea Party” or “patriot”. And that the practice originated with “low-level” employees in Cincinnati.
Lois Lerner was asked to testify about the matter in a Congressional hearing in May of 2013. She refused to answer any questions by pleading her 5th amendment right.
Brackets [ ] indicate where the reversal occurs. Click on the reversal to hear the audio.
After very careful consideration, I’ve decided to follow my council’s advice, and not testify, or answer any of the questions today. Because I’m asserting my right to testify, I know that some people [will assume that I’ve done something] wrong. I have not. It must not batter my soul.