Congressman Tom McClintock

One of the most disturbing aspects of the unfolding scandal involving the misuse of the IRS is what can only be described as an insatiable appetite for names, names, and more names.

Since the Arab Oil Embargoes of the 1970's that ravaged the American economy and produced mile-long lines around gas stations, an avowed goal of our nation has been to reduce our reliance on Middle East oil. In addition to the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity, the Keystone pipeline will bring up to 830,000 barrels of Canadian crude oil A DAY into the American market - about HALF of what we currently import from the Middle East.

Just a week after the President extolled the benign virtues of big government and told university students to ignore those who warn of its dangers, Americans woke up to headlines that this government has been targeting groups and individuals that it doesn't like for intimidation and harassment. I appreciate the President's sudden interest in getting to the bottom of this. But I must remind the House that more than a year ago, I and other members rose on this floor to warn of these tactics directed at Tea Party groups by the IRS.

April 2012 House Floor Remarks: "A defining aspect of the American tradition is that groups of citizens band together for a wide variety of civic purposes."

Across the country, employers are holding office meetings and the announcement goes something like this: "We love you guys. But here's what we make; here's what Obamacare will cost us; we can't stay in business with Obamacare. But if we cut back everybody to 29 hours per week, we can avoid the mandate and stay in business."