House Republicans demand immediate update on probe into alleged IRS whistleblower retaliation

House Oversight Chairman James Comer, House Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith, and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan on Friday sent a letter to the Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) demanding an update on its investigation into alleged retaliation by the Internal Revenue Service against two whistleblowers.

One whistleblower, Gary Shapley, claimed he was given an ultimatum from the agency earlier this month. The three choices were to leave his post as a supervisory special agent in Chicago and accept a job as a senior analyst in Washington, to accept a pay cut and demotion to criminal investigator, or to resign/retire.

The letter comes after the watchdog Empower Oversight notified the Congressional committees of the alleged retaliation, and stated that an OSC investigation into the retaliation has only recently begun, and that Shapley was passed over for two promotions that he was qualified for while waiting for the investigation.

“SSA Shapley’s and SA [Joseph] Ziegler’s whistleblowing took courage and bravery. Because of their important disclosures, Americans learned how the IRS treats individuals differently based upon their last names," the chairmen wrote in the letter.  "They made lawfully protected disclosures to Congress that resulted in unrelenting personal and professional attacks on them. But they have not wavered. 

"As this case has rightfully garnered significant public attention, OSC must show the whistleblower community that OSC will take appropriate and immediate action to stand up for whistleblowers," they added.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.