New acting IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel told the House Oversight Committee that he would encourage Lois Lerner to testify before the committee. Lerner, who served as head of the agency’s tax-exempt division during the time the IRS was targeting conservative groups, invoked the Fifth Amendment in her earlier appearance before the committee.
“You told us you want to hold people accountable, you want to get to the truth, you want to restore trust. The central figure in this drama thus far is Lois Lerner, and she has refused to answer questions,” Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio said to Werfel. “I’m asking, will you encourage her to reevaluate her decision not to answer questions and come before this committee?”
Werfel wavered on providing a clear answer, citing concerns that a response would violate rules set by the Department of Justice and inspectors general regarding the ongoing investigations of the agency.
“I encourage anyone, including Ms. Lerner, to come in front of this committee,” Werfel eventually answered.
“You’re saying today before this committee, you encourage Lois Lerner to come before this committee and answer questions?” Jordan asked again.
“Absolutely,” Werfel said.
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