Talked about Lerner using the sexist card
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., asked the panel’s top Democrat to disclose communications between his office and the lawyer for former IRS official Lois Lerner, who faces contempt charges before the committee.
In a letter to ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., Issa said it was vital for him to share what he learned from interviewing her attorney, William W. Taylor III.
The panel is investigating Lerner — who headed the Exempt Organizations division of the agency when it controversially targeted conservative groups — and will vote on contempt charges on the grounds that she has refused to cooperate with the probe.
“As you know, Mr. Taylor’s position with regard to Ms. Lerner’s willingness to cooperate with the committee has changed several times,” Issa wrote. “So that all members of the committee can have a better understanding of Mr. Taylor’s current position, please disclose any communications that you or your staff have had with Mr. Taylor.”
Lerner has refused to answer questions about IRS targeting, using her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Reports have suggested that Lerner may seek immunity from the panel before agreeing to speak.
Republicans, though, say that Lerner waived her right to remain silent when she made a statement denying any wrongdoing, and charge that she is trying to delay the investigation.
Issa questioned if last-minute talks on immunity were more than just another stalling tactic and asked Cummings to share his discussions with Taylor.