Erik Paulsen: 'No American Should Have Right to Free Speech Threatened by IRS'

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) issued a timely Facebook posting Monday about the tornadoes in Oklahoma:

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Oklahoma and those affected by today’s devastation. Please stay safe.

Congress on Your Corner
Paulsen held a "Congress on Your Corner" Monday at the Cub Foods store in Maple Grove. (See the Storify above or at Storify.com.)

IRS Scandal
Paulsen appeared on the Hugh Hewitt Show last week to discuss the IRS targeting of groups based on political affiliation (listen to the program here). Paulsen summarized his position at his blog:

It is unconscionable that the IRS deliberately targeted individuals based on their political beliefs. Absolutely no one should come under extra scrutiny from the IRS because of their political affiliation. It’s simply un-American.

Beginning in June of 2011, the Ways and Means Committee has repeatedly asked the IRS for verification on whether or not it targeted groups based on their political views. On multiple occasions—including a March 2012 Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee hearing that I was a part of—the IRS explicitly denied such activities. Simply put, this type of activity must not be tolerated, and I expect those who authorized this outrageous activity to be held accountable.

No American, regardless of their political ideology, should have their right to free speech threatened by the IRS. I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues to examine this issue and take steps to protect American taxpayers.

 See also:

• Erik Paulsen on IRS Scandal: 'This Is a Bad Week for America'

• Erik Paulsen: I Won't Run for Al Franken's U.S. Senate Seat or MN Governor in 2014

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen represents Minnesota's Third Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Minnetonka and other Lake Minnetonka cities, among others. This is a weekly roundup of news from the Third Congressional District.