McConnell says proposed Treasury regulation meant to silence Obama critics

close

Video

Exclusive: Mitch McConnell slams WH for intimidating critics

Obama administration accused of trying to silence conservatives

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell slammed the White House on “The Kelly File” Wednesday night for initiating a new Treasury Department rule that would redefine what political groups can do and keep their tax-exempt status, a regulation he believes is meant to silence conservatives.

The proposed regulation would create a new term, "candidate-related political activity," to help the IRS decide which social welfare organizations qualify for tax-exempt status, according to The Washington Post. It is meant to better clarify what actions are considered political and what are believed to promote social welfare, to better determine tax-exempt status in the future.

McConnell, R-Ky., told Fox News’ Megyn Kelly he believes this is another example of the Obama administration bypassing Congress, and the regulation will unfairly target conservatives.

“You’re looking at an administration trying to silence the voices of their critics going into this important fall election,” McConnell said.

McConnell acknowledged that the regulation would affect liberal groups as well, but said he believes that is not the intent behind the rule.

“I think what they have decided to do is to take these people off of the playing field, and if it hits a few liberals, fine, but I think what they are really worried about are their conservative critics” he said.