The IRS comments came as the Treasury Department inspector general for tax administration is nearing completion of a report on the matter.

WSJ: IRS Apologizes for Scrutiny of Conservative Groups

The Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration is expected to release the results of a nearly yearlong investigation in the coming week.

NPR: AP Exclusive: IRS Knew Tea Party Targeted In 2011

According to the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration, 15.4 million taxpayers may unexpectedly owe Uncle Sam money for tax year 2009 because in connection with the Making Work Pay Credit, enacted as part of last year's stimulus bill, Congress ordered withholding rates reduced.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Ms. Gorelick, who now is at WilmerHale, worked at Justice during the Clinton administration and also is a former general counsel for the Defense Department.

WSJ: Gulf Oil Spill Update: Companies Building Up Legal Teams

FEMA's purchasing department became so overwhelmed, they then asked another federal agency, the General Services Administration, for help.

NPR: FEMA Accounts Reveal Last-Minute Scramble

The responsibility for Northern Ireland policy in the new US administration is expected to rest with the State Department headed by General Colin Powell.

BBC: Trimble welcomes Bush Presidency