Skip to content

Issa Cuts Off Cummings at IRS Hearing (Updated) (Video)

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo) 
(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo) 

Updated 11:57 a.m. | House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., cut off Rep. Elijah E. Cummings’ microphone and adjourned this morning’s hearing on the IRS while Cummings was still speaking — marking a new low in the pair’s rocky relationship.  

The dust-up came at the end of the hearing where IRS official Lois Lerner again pleaded the Fifth Amendment and refused to testify — when Cummings, the ranking member of the panel and a Maryland Democrat, sought to ask a question and make a statement on the IRS inquiry.  

But Issa cut off Cummings’ microphone with a hand to the throat gesture as Cummings started to make a statement about Issa’s handling of the investigation instead of asking a question.

Recent Stories

Transcript transparency: How the past three administrations stack up 

‘Buckle up, America!’ — Congressional Hits and Misses

Photos of the week | May 16-22, 2025

Under Bondi’s watch, victim service groups face cuts, uncertainty

DCCC targets California Asian American voters in first paid ads of 2026 cycle

With 2026 midterms top of mind, budget vote takes center stage