IRS in hot seat for targeting conservative groups

The IRS has been feeling the heat from both sides of the aisle since it’s been revealed the agency was subjecting politically conservative groups to heightened scrutiny.

The Washington Post notes President Obama has taken a clear position on the reports. “If, in fact, IRS personnel engaged in the kind of practices that have been reported on and were intentionally targeting conservative groups, then that’s outrageous, and there’s no place for it,” he said.

A Reuters report shows that the agency’s criteria for extra scrutiny varied over time and included singling out organizations devoted to educating people on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The agency also targeted groups that “criticize how the country is being run.” Filings that made reference to the Tea Party or used terms including “Patriot” and “9/12” were also targeted, according to the report.

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