US tax official in political row denies wrongdoing

The US tax official at the centre of the storm over the collection agency's targeting of conservative groups told Congress yesterday that she had done nothing wrong and then invoked her constitutional right to refuse to answer lawmakers' questions.

In one of the most electric moments since the scandal began nearly two weeks ago, Lois Lerner defended herself before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The panel is investigating the agency's targeting of tea party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status. Lerner oversees the office that processes applications for that status.

"I have done nothing wrong," said a stern-looking Lerner, sitting next to three other witnesses and reading from a written statement. "I have not broken any laws. I have not violated any IRS rules or regulations and I have not provided false information to this or any other committee. I am very proud of the work that I have done in government." The IRS is the Internal Revenue Service.

Lerner then said she would invoke her constitutional right to avoid incriminating herself. Nine minutes after she began speaking, Darrell Issa, the Republican committee chairman, excused her and Lerner left the hearing, escorted by her lawyer and several other men.