GOP Leaders Urge IRS to Scrap Rule Targeting Political Non-Profits

Argue it suppresses free speech

Republican congressional leaders are calling on the newly appointed IRS commissioner to scrap a new rule they claim would target politically active groups seeking tax-exempt status—including the very same conservative groups the agency is accused of harassing. 

"This proposed rule is an affront to free speech itself," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. 

The letter—signed by House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and others—marks the most coordinated effort yet by the GOP to fight the rule change, first proposed in November. 

The letter comes as more conservative groups testified Thursday about IRS targeting, before a House oversight subcommittee.