IRS Acting Commissioner Resigns After Targeting Scandal

[ProSense]

IRS Acting Commissioner Resigns After Targeting Scandal

President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday that Treasury Secretary Jack Lew requested and accepted the resignation of the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Steven Miller, following the agency's admission that agents improperly singled out conservative non-profits for additional reviews during the 2012 election.

"I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in any agency, but especially in the IRS," Obama said at the White House. "Given the power that it has, and the reach that it has in all of our lives. And as I said earlier, it should not matter what political stripe you're from, the fact of the matter is that the IRS has to operate with absolute integrity."

Obama also said that his administration will implement new procedures to ensure the same kind of misconduct does not occur again, inviting lawmakers to assist in the effort.

"I've directed Secretary Lew to ensure the IRS begins implementing the (Inspector General's) recommendations right away," Obama said. "Third, we will work with congress as it performs its oversight role."

- more -

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/irs-acting-commissioner-resigns-after-targeting-scandal

The question now is: Will the Senate confirm a new commissioner or will they filibuster?

There was a commissioner, Douglas Shulman, who was appointed by the Bush/Cheney administration five years ago, and who was in charge when the agency began treating conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status unfairly. It's unlikely that a Republican deliberately targeted groups on the right for extra scrutiny.

But more to the point, Rubio's demand is problematic given the fact that Shulman has already resigned, leaving the IRS last November. It's tough for a guy to fall on his sword after he's already packed up his stuff and gone home.

President Obama hasn't even nominated his replacement, and if he had, Rubio and his colleagues likely would have filibustered his or her confirmation anyway.

http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/05/13/18230699-officials-who-dont-exist-cant-resign

[rdharma]

1. Shulman had been appointed by President George W. Bush. eom

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