Obama picks new 'acting' IRS boss

WASHINGTON

- President Obama picked a senior White House budget official to become the acting head of the IRS yesterday, the same day another top official announced plans to leave the agency amid the controversy over agents targeting tea party groups.

Obama named longtime civil servant Daniel Werfel as the acting IRS commissioner. Werfel, 42, currently serves as controller of the Office of Management and Budget, making him a key player in implementing recent sequester spending cuts.

"Throughout his career working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, Danny has proven an effective leader who serves with professionalism, integrity and skill," Obama said in a statement.

Werfel replaces Steven Miller, who was forced to resign Wednesday amid the growing scandal. Also yesterday, Joseph Grant, one of Miller's top deputies, announced plans to retire June 3, according to an internal IRS memo.

- Associated Press