Republicans believe emails could shed light on possible IRS targeting of conservative groups . The House Oversight Committee is investigating the IRS's handling of applications for tax-exempt status from Tea Party and other groups. ` The IRS investigation was launched by the department without hesitation and immediately after Ms. Lerner publicly acknowledged the potential misconduct , '' Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Pierce said in a statement emailed to CNN . ` Former IRS official Lois Lerner is at the center of the email controversy .
Republicans believe emails could shed light on possible IRS targeting of conservative groups . The House Oversight Committee is investigating the IRS's handling of applications for tax-exempt status from Tea Party and other groups. Former IRS official Lois Lerner is at the center of the email controversy .