Rep Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh) is calling “unacceptable” reports of IRS personnel singling out Tea Party and other political groups for extra scrutiny by the tax agency.

This week it was reported that some IRS officials inappropriately targeted some political groups with investigations related to their tax exempt status.

“Targeting groups simply because of their political leanings is completely unacceptable, and if in fact that is what happened then the IRS should be taken to task,” said Owens. “I support the call for an investigation into what happened, and if it is found that individuals within the IRS intentionally committed this targeted activity they should be swiftly removed from their position.”

The North Country congressman is calling for accountability and a thorough investigation, and he noted that bipartisan support for an investigation is growing.

“If found to be true, this is unfortunately not the first time this has happened over the past few decades,” Owens said. “This is an issue of fairness, and I am pleased to join voices from both sides calling for full accountability from those involved.”