Former IRS commissioner refuses to apologize for targeting scandal when pressed by senatorMadison Ruppert Instead of apologizing, Shulman expressed regret and stated that the Inspector General report absolved him of any culpability for the agencys conduct. The IRS scandal has resulted in a surprising number of absurd situations similar to the interaction between Cornyn and Shulman. On Sunday, an Obama aide attempted to defend the Obama administration in the face of multiple scandals, stating that the law is irrelevant when discussing the IRS scandal in particular. Another particularly interesting claim made during a congressional hearing was that the United States tax system is in fact a voluntary one. Cornyn pointed out that Steven Miller, former IRS acting commissioner, opened his testimony before the Senate with a clear apology but when he asked if Shulman would apologize for the IRS actions, Shulman avoided the question. Mr. Shulman, I wonder if you have any words of apology for my constituents and others who feel like the public trust has been violated by the IRS, Cornyn said. You know, Im deeply, deeply saddened by this whole set of events, Shulman said. Ive read the [Inspector Generals] report and I very much regret that it happened and that it happened on my watch. To your constituents? I dont know the details of your constituents. I dont know what happened to them, I didnt look at particular constituent and taxpayer matters, Shulman said. Shulman went on to contend that as a general principle, as IRS commissioner between 2008 and 2012, he did not personally examine individual cases. He also said that he had nothing to do with cases that involved political activity. So if I knew the details of it, I could give you an answer, Shulman said. So its not your responsibility, Cornyn said. The buck doesnt stop with you. I certainly am not personally responsible for creating a list that had inappropriate criteria on it, Shulman said. What I know with the full facts that are out is from the Inspector Generals report which doesnt say that Im responsible for that. With that said, Shulman continued, this happened on my watch and I very much regret that it happened on my watch. After a long pause, Cornyn said, Well I dont think that qualifies as an apology. It qualifies as an expression of regret, Cornyn said, which I think is well deserved. Shulman similarly would not admit that he was personally responsible when questioned by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). Cornyn went on to ask Shulman if he is also concerned that the IRS has deviated from its core function and should be reformed to focus on that core function and perhaps not be given these other additional responsibilities until it can get its house in order. Shulman said that the IRS is charged with administering the United States tax laws and those tax laws have been used for more and more things. I defer to Congress to decide what it wants to use the tax code for and whether it wants the IRS to do all of the functions in the tax code, Shulman said. As long as the IRS is given that responsibility I think the obligation of the agency is to do it to the best of its ability. Id love to hear your opinion, take a look at your story tips and even your original writing if you would like to get it published. Please email me at Admin@EndtheLie.com The clip can be seen below via C-SPAN: The first part of the full hearing can be seen here. Please support our work and help us start to pay contributors by doing your shopping through our Amazon link or check out some must-have products at our store. This article first appeared at End the Lie. Madison Ruppert is the Editor and Owner-Operator of the alternative news and analysis databaseEnd The Lie and has no affiliation with any NGO, political party, economic school, or other organization/cause. He is available for podcast and radio interviews. Madison also now has his own radio show on UCYTV Monday nights 7 PM 9 PM PT/10 PM 12 AM ET. Show page link here: http://UCY.TV/EndtheLie. If you have questions, comments, or corrections feel free to contact him at admin@EndtheLie.com linkwithin_text=Related Articles: 