House Republicans are intensifying their scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service over possible retaliation against two whistleblowers who raised concerns involving the Hunter Biden investigation.
The lawmakers demand an investigation into whether IRS actions toward whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler were unjust, urging the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to ensure the protection of whistleblower rights, Fox News reported.
Led by key figures such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the investigation aims to uncover any improper political influence exerted on IRS agents. The inquiry initially began in June when someone sent a letter requesting information about the whistleblowers' allegations. On Friday, lawmakers escalated their efforts by addressing another letter to Deputy Special Counsel Karen Gorman, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Gary Shapley, one of the whistleblowers involved, reportedly received a 15-day notice for demotion or resignation following his interview. This notice came soon after Shapley and Ziegler had publicly disclosed their experiences of alleged repercussions after sharing details of the investigation with Congress members. Lawmakers have described these IRS actions as "egregious," raising concerns of a potential forced demotion for Shapley.
The response letter sent by the House lawmakers passionately argued for the necessity of an immediate investigation by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). According to them, the whistleblowers, Shapley and Ziegler, exhibited notable "courage and bravery" by coming forward with their disclosures.
Lawmakers also pointed out that the revelations brought to light potential disparities in how the IRS handles cases. They highlighted that these disclosures have allowed the public to perceive potential differing treatments of individuals by the IRS based on their familial connections or last names.
The confrontation between these whistleblowers and the IRS is framed broadly as a challenge to the whistleblower protection framework, with potentially significant implications for how such future cases are handled. Reassignments such as those affecting Shapley are alleged by lawmakers to be thinly veiled attempts to stifle these crucial disclosures.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, alongside Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, has been vocally advocating for the OSC to scrutinize the IRS's decision-making process regarding Shapley's reassignment.
In a notable remark, Shapley has indicated the perceived pressure he faces:
Shapley said, the IRS "has a smothering blanket on me. [They're] hoping that I quit, that they find some way to terminate me. Or they probably hope that I commit suicide or something."
The Office of Special Counsel has acknowledged that lawmakers sent the letter but has not provided any public comment or details about the actions it is considering. This lack of immediate response has only fueled House Republicans' determination to pursue the matter.
As investigations continue, the Republicans insist on a thorough review and insist that the OSC take immediate measures to stop any IRS retribution against Shapley and Ziegler. They deem such actions necessary to maintain the integrity of the whistleblower protection framework.
With the stakes high, this situation may set a precedent for how governmental bodies handle future whistleblower claims, particularly those that implicate potential partisan influence. Lawmakers have expressed their unwavering support for Shapley and Ziegler's efforts in bringing their concerns to light rather than buckling under possible pressure or threats.
The ongoing investigation led by the House Republicans serves as a critical examination of possible political interference within the IRS. The focal point remains on protecting the rights of whistleblowers Shapley and Ziegler as they allege unfair treatment after bringing attention to the treatment of cases within the IRS involving high-profile individuals.
