'Lerner Bill' Would Fire Federal Employees Who Refuse To Testify Before Congress

Michael Miller

On June 23, 2013
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Republican Congressmen were furious last month when Lois Lerner declared herself innocent in the IRS scandal – then promptly invoked the Fifth Amendment and was allowed to leave the hearings.

From Congress to the media to the general public, many complained it was wrong that Lerner could benefit from “the best of both worlds” by claiming her innocence – then refusing to be cross-examined. Thursday, one Congressman did more than complaining; he proposed a bill that would fire federal employees who attempt Lerner’s tactic.

Alabama Republican Rep. Mo Brooks sponsored legislation that would make refusing to testify before Congress a fireable offense for federal workers, as reported by The Hill.
Simply, the proposed legislation says the following:

“Any federal employee who refuses to answer questions in a congressional hearing after being granted immunity shall be terminated from employment.”

Brooks, who was particularly incensed by Lerner pleading the Fifth, told the Hill, Friday:

“This is a statement which should not be made by federally appointed officials before a congressional hearing if they are faithfully carrying out the duties of their office.”
Brooks is correct. Right or wrong, invoking the Fifth Amendment strongly suggests that the “invoker” has something to hide. If not so, then why plead it? If not to protect oneself, to protect others? Brooks continued:


That is why I am introducing H.R. 2458, which would terminate the employment of any federal employee who refuses to answer questions before a congressional hearing or lies before a congressional hearing. This legislation is constitutional and necessary to enable Congress to provide proper oversight for the American people.”


The bill would also require the firing of federal workers who refuse testify – in some cases – even when they have not been granted immunity. It also allows Congress a say on terminations: If three-fourths of the congressional body that heard the testimony finds that a federal worker willfully or knowingly gave false testimony during a hearing, then that employee would be fired. Amen.

Historically, it’s been much easier to fire employees in the private sector than in the government. This bill is a step in the right direction to reduce special privileges granted federal workers, especially when they seek “the best of both worlds.”

http://www.ijreview.com/2013/06/6099...efor-congress/