Comer, Jordan, Smith Seek Information on Possible DOJ Efforts to Obstruct Inspector General’s Investigation into IRS Whistleblower Allegations
WASHNGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) requesting information to understand whether DOJ is hindering the DOJ OIG’s efforts to investigate the serious allegations made by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers regarding the DOJ’s investigation of Hunter Biden. New evidence continues to corroborate testimony the IRS whistleblowers provided to Congress.
“Our Committees are continuing to conduct oversight of the programs and operations of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and U.S. Secret Service (Secret Service) within their respective jurisdictions,” wrote Chairmen Comer, Jordan, and Smith. “IRS whistleblowers made protected disclosures to Congress regarding DOJ’s investigation of Hunter Biden. Specifically, the IRS whistleblowers testified that DOJ’s investigation was purposely slow-walked and subjected to improper and politically motivated interference. Further, the DOJ and IRS have reportedly engaged in unlawful whistleblower retaliation against the IRS employees. Their testimony raised serious questions about the federal government’s commitment to evenhanded justice.”
The IRS whistleblowers also provided their protected disclosures to the DOJ OIG for further review. On July 17, 2023, the Committees requested an update about the status of the DOJ OIG’s investigation based on these disclosures. The DOJ OIG acknowledged they received information from the whistleblowers but have not indicated whether their office is meaningfully investigating the disclosures. Further, their comments raise concerns that DOJ is hindering the OIG’s ability to investigate.
“The DOJ appears to be continuing to sacrifice its professional responsibility to cover for the President’s son—and perhaps, the President himself,” continued Chairmen Comer, Jordan, and Smith. “Based on your statements and the DOJ’s pattern of politically motivated actions, we are concerned that the DOJ is limiting your office from fully investigating the disclosures provided to your office. To help the Committees understand the scope of your investigation, please provide documents and/or information sufficient to explain whether your office is (1) limited in any way from fully investigating the whistleblowers disclosures based on 5 U.S.C. § 413(b)(3) or any other law or regulation, and (2) if you are limited, how and why your office is limited.”
Read the letter to Inspector General Michael Horowitz here.