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IRS Commissioner a No Show for Hearing on Misconduct

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WASHINGTON -- IRS Commissioner John Koskinen was a no show Tuesday for a House Judiciary hearing accusing him of misconduct.

That didn't stop lawmakers from blasting Koskinen and calling for his impeachment.

The hearing stems from a 2013 investigation into IRS official Lois Lerner. Lerner was accused of unfairly targeting conservative and tea party groups by delaying their requests for tax-exempt status.

Koskinen, who was brought in by President Barack Obama after the scandal unfolded, promised to provide key evidence, including thousands of Lerner's emails to assist Congress in their investigation.

Tapes obtaining those emails were destroyed. Although many of the emails were eventually recovered, Koskinen has been accused of lying to Congress about the destruction of those emails.

"Providing false testimony before Congress comes with a consequence, or at least it should. Mr. Koskinen did not tell the truth to Congress. He provided false testimony and failed to comply with the subpoena," Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz charged.

House Democrats maintain that impeachment would be impossible and there is no punishment for mismanagement.

In lieu of his absence, Koskinen sent a written letter but House Republicans refused to have it read.

"John Koskinen was invited to testify today and declined. This is a self-serving statement of someone who chose not to be here, but tomorrow will be in front of another committee," Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said.

The IRS also released a statement saying that Koskinen's absence was due to an already "crowded schedule."

Koskinen was preparing for a separate hearing to take place Wednesday before The House Ways and Means Committee.

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About The Author

Amber C.
Strong

Amber Strong joined the CBN News team in Washington, D.C., in 2014 as a producer and field producer. Currently, she works as a correspondent, producer, and backup anchor for "The Brody File." Her beat includes national politics and The White House. And while she loves her current backyard of Washington, D.C., she’s a Hoosier girl at heart. Amber lives and breathes all things entertainment and politics and has had the privilege of interviewing some of the biggest names in both industries, including late night host Jimmy Fallon and presidential contender Rick Santorum. However, her true love is