The House Oversight Committee convened today for a meeting to consider a resolution to hold former IRS official Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions before Congress on May 22, 2013 and March 5, 2014. The committee will be sending the full resolution to the House for a vote in the coming weeks.
After conservative groups were targeted and oppressed by the IRS for over three years, Democrats have finally identified a victim – Lois Lerner.
Democrats on the committee argued that Lerner did not waive her 5th Amendment rights, played the McCarthy card, and positioned her as the victim of a partisan witch hunt.
Rep. Gowdy asked Democrats on the committee to explain what would constitute a waiving of 5th Amendment rights, if making 17 separate factual assertions, did not.
“Mr. Chairman, I counted 17 separate factual assertions by Miss Lerner…” said Gowdy. “That is a lot of talking for someone who wants to remain silent. That’s a lot talking!”
He continued with a note of exasperation in his voice, “if you honestly believe that somebody can make 17 separate factual assertions and still invoke your right to remain silent, then please tell me what waiver is?! Please tell me what constitutes waiver if 17 factual things does not!?”