Obama names new acting IRS commissioner

President Obama appointed senior White House budget officer Daniel Werfel as acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Thursday.

“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. "The American people deserve to have the utmost confidence and trust in their government, and as we work to get to the bottom of what happened and restore confidence in the IRS, Danny has the experience and management ability necessary to lead the agency at this important time.”

Werfel will replace Steven Miller, ousted Wednesday amid revelations that the IRS improperly singled out conservative groups for special scrutiny.

The appointment is effective May 22.

The 42-year-old Werfel is the controller of the Office of Management and Budget, a job akin to a chief financial officer. Though Werfel was appointed to that job by Obama, he also worked during the administration of President George W. Bush.

After days of inaction, Obama has tried to move swiftly in response to reports of inappropriate targeting by the IRS.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.