Remember the Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups? IRS targeting: Scandal or snafu? It was the scandal du jour in Washington last month, now relegated to back-burner status after recent revelations of a vast government electronic surveillance apparatus created in the name of national security following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Holder: Leaks damaged U.S. security The announcement Thursday by the Obama administration that it would boost aid to Syria rebels because government forces there used chemical weapons further shifted attention away from the IRS controversy involving extra scrutiny given conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status. Republicans continue trying to raise the issue, grilling FBI Director Robert Mueller about it at a congressional hearing on Thursday. They argue that the Obama administration used the tax agency to intimidate and harass political opponents.
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Multiple investigations of the IRS targeting continue
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Disclosure of U.S. surveillance programs has diminished focus on IRS issue
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Republicans continue raising the IRS targeting in criticizing the Obama administration
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The two party leaders on the House Oversight Committee have a public dispute
Seven committee hearings so far on the matter revealed the partisan divide that permeates @placeholder.