Washington, D.C.—Congressman Mike Turner, a senior Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that the IRS may have destroyed Lois Lerner’s hard drive, which held emails critical to the Committee’s investigation of the IRS targeting of Americans for their political beliefs:
“This is staggering and unbelievable.
The American people rightfully expect the highest standard of accountability from their government and its officials.
The Administration has once again demonstrated a pattern of obstruction and made it clear that they do not share our commitment to transparency and accountability.
Certainly, the enforcement arm of the federal government cannot expect the American people to accept this Administration’s continued non-compliance.
We must appoint an independent counsel in order to ensure the protection of all additional evidence from any potential destruction or manipulation by the IRS.
At this point, many critical questions remain unanswered and the public trust in the Executive Branch has been further undermined.
As the Committee investigation moves forward, I will continue to pursue the answers and transparency the American people deserve from the Administration.”