Congressmen John Fleming (R-La.) and Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) introduced a resolution on Wednesday demanding the impeachment of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
The resolution is motivated by IRS cover-ups of discrimination against conservative groups. Some 422 backup tapes containing about 24,000 emails relevant to the targeting of conservatives were destroyed during Koskinen’s leadership, calling his complicity into question.
The measure has been glowingly endorsed by the Freedom Caucus, and by individual conservative congressional leaders such as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Bill Flores (R-Texas) and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.).
Supporters of the measure emphasize the epidemic double-standard in prosecution. In his endorsement of the resolution, Jordan stated, “No private citizen would be able to get away with what the IRS did, and neither should Mr. Koskinen.”
This resolution puts mainstream Republican leadership in a difficult position. GOP leadership has denied support for actions like this in the past, saying they set a dangerous precedent. They also claim that ill intent on Koskinen’s part cannot be proven.
However, the GOP also can't appear soft on corruption, especially given their current barrage against Hillary Clinton for similar cover-up charges. It remains to be seen whether or not the measure will pick up traction from mainstream Republicans.