Washington Wire

Leak Probe Launched in Downtown Washington

Elizabeth Williamson — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:32:15 +0000

Washington officials launched a broad leak investigation Wednesday that has exposed government waste dating back as far as 1897—a probe that could lead, some say, to the very steps of the White House.

CBO Report: The Pros and Cons of Carbon Tax

Ryan Tracy — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:26:54 +0000

Instituting a carbon tax could help reduce the deficit and “produce incremental benefits” for the environment, but could also raise the cost of many goods and services, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report Wednesday.

Lew: No Political Pressure on IRS

Jeffrey Sparshott — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:58:40 +0000

Treasury Secretary Lew testified it would have been wrong for him to intervene in IRS administration of the tax system.

Obama to Travel to Oklahoma Sunday

Jared A. Favole — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:51:27 +0000

President Barack Obama on Sunday will travel to Oklahoma to view the damage and response effort to tornadoes that devastated towns, the White House said.

IRS’s Lerner Testimony: ‘I Did Not Break Any Laws’

WSJ Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:30:46 +0000

Here is Lois Lerner's statement in which she says she will decline to testify, followed by a conversation about whether she should be allowed to give a statement and then not answer questions.

Seib & Wessel: What We’re Reading Wednesday

WSJ Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:29:47 +0000

Recent flaps over taxes still don't bridge the gap between the two parties over tax reform, New York mayoral candidates let it all hang out, and more recommended reading from around the web.

Obama’s Statement on the Immigration Overhaul Bill

WSJ Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:01:10 +0000

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a sweeping reworking of immigration laws on Tuesday evening, giving a bipartisan bill its first formal stamp of approval in Congress. The following is President Barack Obama's statement on the bill's passage.

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.