mr. warfel is working to achieve them. -- both goals are key and based on his actions today, mr. warfel is working to achieve them. >> we now welcome our first township -- panel of witnesses, the honorable j russell george, the inspector general for tax ministration. mr. gregory kutz, assistant inspector general for exempt organizations. welcome back. we know you had a big part in this investigation. we also welcome mr. fink, commissioner of the small is this and self employed division at the irs. pursuant to the rules of the committee, but all three witnesses rise, raise your right hand to take the oath. do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> i do. like but the record reflect all witnesses -- >> let the record reflect all witnesses answered in the affirmative. there is one opening between the two of you, mr. george. thank you again for being here. i know we will rely on you for a number of questions. we appreciate that. i also appreciate the fact that you created a relationship with the

mr. warfel is working to achieve them. basedth goals are key and on his actions today, mr. warfel is working to achieve them. >> we now welcome our first ,ownship -- panel of witnesses the honorable j russell george, the inspector general for tax ministration. mr. gregory kutz, assistant inspector general for exempt organizations. welcome back. we know you had a big part in this investigation. we also welcome mr. fink, commissioner of the small is this and self employed division at the irs. pursuant to the rules of the committee, but all three witnesses rise, raise your right hand to take the oath. or affirmemnly swear the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> i do. like but the record reflect all witnesses -- >> let the record reflect all witnesses answered in the affirmative. there is one opening between the two of you, mr. george. thank you again for being here. i know we will rely on you for a number of questions. we appreciate that. i also appreciate the fact that you created a relationship with the acting comm

commissioner warfel appointed david fisher as the chief risk officer. mr. fischer previously served as the chief administrative office, officer and chief financial officer at gao. and yesterday he appointed a new deputy commissioner and a chief of staff, both with significant managerial and administrative experience. to the individuals testifying before us, to each and all of you, to the organizations they represent, and all the others who were caught up in this malfeasance, you are owed an apology. we say to you that each of us is committed to doing our part to ensure this does not happen again. the ig's report includes a number of key facts that we should keep in mind today. the ig determined that the applications of 298 organizations were set aside for further review. one-third of the applications that were set aside, 96, contained the name tea party, 912, or patriots. while the remaining 202 applications did not. they are released a list of 176 advocacy organizations that have been approved for tax exempt status through may 9. the news organization tax