Shulman went through the first of at least two testimonies he is required to give concerning the #IRS scandal. Today, he appeared before the Senate Finance Committe. It did not go well for Mr. Shulman. He said he was “dismayed” and “saddened ” after reading the IG’s report that indicated targeting had gone on within the IRS concerning 501(c)(4) exemption. applications. In his usual instructive yet digressing style, he appeared to try and give the appearance  of acceptance that the the questions concerning the fairness of the IRS’ actions, were justified. Yet he did not apologize and claimed he wasn’t responsible for what happened regarding the targeting. Sounds rather like a terrified USC trying to appeal to the IRS that he/she wasn’t responsible for not filing a tax return, or an FBAR, since he/she had no knowledge of it, doesn’t it? Apparently the panel was not particularly sympathetic to Shulman (or Miller).

See the video of his comments at:

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/irs-scandal-doug-shulman-91665.html   (1:35)

Interestingly, Baucus took the unusual step of swearing each witness in. I wonder what level of risk that involves. I hear that famous phrase “under penalty of perjury” ringing deliciously in my ears!

“Shulman has come under fire for telling a House committee in March 2012 that the  IRS was “absolutely” not targeting conservative groups. He was briefed on the  program in May but never disclosed it to Congress before stepping down in  November at the end of a six-year term.”  If he could claim the IRS was not targeting in March 2012, it would appear that he knew it was going on. What difference does it make that he was briefed in May. What matters is that he knew, it was his responsibility to follow through and get to the bottom of it, given the seriousness of the matter. The fact he did not tell Congress is what should nail him. And what does that remind of us?  Willfulness. Willful blindness (NOT!). Hm, what’s the penalty for that?  Lying to Congress could land him 5 years in jail.

http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/300969-former-irs-chief-i-didnt-know-full-story-before-i-left

Mr. Shulman’s testimony “frustrated Republicans already irritated by Miller’s contentious appearance before the  House Ways and Means Committee last Friday and shed little additional light on  when key figures in the White House and Treasury found out about the IRS  targeting.” I find it interesting that, although partisan-based, the Republicans seem to feel Obama is responsible so how could anyone not find Shulman responsible? It was his job to lead the IRS and knowing there was a problem, it is inexcusable that he did not investigate the full extent of it. Orrin Hatch said the fact Shulman and Miller found out in May 2012 and did not notify Congress amounted to “a lie of omission.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/300573-dem-ex-irs-chief-lied-to-congress

A Democrat, Rep. Joseph Crowley, indicated he believed Shulman lied to Congress under oath when he told lawmakers last year that the agency  did not give special attention to certain groups.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/21/politics/irs-targeting/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

Baucus and Hatch sent a letter to the IRS on Monday seeking an exhaustive list of information about the case as part of a full investigation by their committee. There is a deadline (can’t find the original info) and there was no mention of any possibility of an extension. Hmmm, what kind of accuracy penalties, in addition to non-filing compliance, could we be looking at here?   LOL!

According to The Hill, the Justice Department has launced a criminal investigation into the matter. And Lois Lerner will plead the 5th tomorrow when appearing before the House Oversight Committee.

Tune in tomorrow to the House Oversight Committee hearing where Mr. Shulman will appear again.