Washington Wire

Pritzker Gets Encouragement From 2 GOP Senators

Josh Mitchell — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:02:36 +0000

President Obama’s pick for commerce secretary,Penny Pritzker, got a boost Tuesday from two Republican senators.

Senators to Apple: We Love the iPhone

Danny Yadron — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:54:59 +0000

Senate investigators on Tuesday described Apple Inc.’s tax practices as “outrageous,” an “absurdity” and akin to “alchemy.” And what about Apple’s iPhones? “I’ve got one right here,” declared Sen. Carl Levin, waving the ubiquitous device. “It’s a terrific instrument.”

No Apologies From Former IRS Chief

WSJ Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:28:04 +0000

Former commissioner Douglas Shulman didn't offer an apology during his Senate hearing – even though senators kept pressing him.

Senators Say Oklahoma Aid Would Need to Be Offset

Corey Boles — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:54:24 +0000

Several Republican senators said that the cost of any emergency aid bill crafted to provide aid to people affected by the enormous tornado that touched down in Oklahoma Monday must be offset by cuts elsewhere to the federal budget to defray costs to the taxpayer.

Spokesman: Obama Agrees With Counsel’s IRS Decision

Jared A. Favole — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:49:14 +0000

President Obama has faith in his chief lawyer and agrees with her decision not to inform him of a pending report on the Internal Revenue Service’s improper targeting of conservative groups, White House press secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday.

Protesters in Cincinnati Denounce IRS

WSJ Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:36:26 +0000

Protesters at the federal building in Cincinnati denounced the IRS.

Boehner: Oklahomans Will Get Aid They Need

Corey Boles — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:40:21 +0000

House Speaker Boehner said Tuesday that lawmakers would work with the Obama administration to get Oklahomans disaster aid.

Lew Says He Heard of IRS Audit in Mid-March

Michael R. Crittenden — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:27 +0000

Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew first learned of an audit into the Internal Revenue Service in mid-March but didn't see specific details of an inspector general's report into the targeting of conservative groups until last week, he told U.S. Senate lawmakers on Tuesday.

Obama Pledges to Help Oklahoma After Tornadoes

Jared A. Favole — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:44:00 +0000

President Obama promised all necessary aid to help Oklahoma after Tuesday's tornadoes.

IRS Who’s Who: Shulman, George, Miller

WSJ Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:29 +0000

Former IRS commissioner Douglas Shulman is set to appear before a Senate committee, along with Steven Miller and J. Russell George. Here's a look at what they've said about the agency's targeting of conservative groups.