Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) issued the following statement regarding last week’s decision by D.C. District Judge Reggie B. Walton to dismiss all counts brought against the IRS by True the Vote for its targeting of conservative tax-exempt groups:

“The fact that this court was willing to let the IRS off the hook after the agency flagrantly abused its power sends a troubling message. Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have looked to the court to protect our First Amendment rights. Sadly, this ruling does the complete opposite. Our country holds no tenet more sacred than the belief that the American people have the right to speak freely without fear of government retaliation. The victims of the IRS targeting scandal deserve justice for the federal government’s actions to silence their political speech. Failure to deliver that justice will undoubtedly diminish the very principles this country was founded on. 

U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton’s opinion was delivered on October 23, 2014.