Erik Paulsen: “I couldn't believe my ears when the IRS revealed last week that they have lost all of the emails that have been received…”

“I couldn't believe my ears when the IRS revealed last week that they have lost all of the emails that have been received and sent to outside individuals by Lois Lerner from 2009 to 2011. Coincidentally, this timeframe is critical to the investigation into the IRS's targeting of Americans based on their personal beliefs. This excuse would be laughable if it weren't so serious. Despite the agency's promise of full cooperation and full disclosure, we now know that is not happening. It turns out that the IRS knew since February, and they sat on this knowledge that they would not be able to produce Ms. Lerner's emails. They waited 3 months, and then they buried it in a 27-page report and released it on a Friday afternoon news dump. This is not the transparency the American people deserve. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. While the House will continue its investigation to get answers, it is time for full accountability and the Department of Justice to step up to the plate and fully investigate the targeting of Americans by the IRS. ____________________”