The House has turned aside an effort by conservatives to impeach IRS Commissioner John Koskinen (KAHS’-kihn-ihn).
Conservatives have long wanted to remove Koskinen. They say he obstructed a congressional investigation into IRS mistreatment of tea party groups, charges that Koskinen has denied.
After agreeing to not force a vote on the issue during this year’s political campaigns, conservatives renewed their effort Tuesday, days before Congress plans to adjourn for the year.
But the House voted 342-72 to refer the impeachment resolution to the House Judiciary Committee. That in effect will prevent a Senate impeachment trial and kill the effort for now because of Congress’ upcoming adjournment.
Many Republicans opposed the effort. They say it would slow President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda and let Democrats accuse the GOP of being relentlessly partisan.
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