President Obama directed Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew May 15 to ask for the resignation of Acting Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Steven Miller, which was received, in an ever-widening scandal over IRS's admission that it targeted conservative groups seeking tax exemption for extra scrutiny.

Adding to IRS's troubles, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that criminal penalties might be available in a Justice Department criminal investigation he has launched.

In remarks at the White House, Obama said “the administration has to make sure we're working hand in hand with Congress to get this thing fixed.” He said new leadership is needed at IRS to restore confidence.