Rep. Doggett Questions Sec. Mnuchin on Trump Tax Returns

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Rep. Doggett Questions Sec. Mnuchin on Trump Tax Returns

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) questioned U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Doggett began by noting the Secretary's prior non-responsiveness on several matters. After the hearing, Doggett added, "What he said today was little more than mumble jumble doubletalk."

You can watch the exchange here.

According to section 6103(f) of the Internal Revenue Code; "Upon written request from the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means…the [Treasury] Secretary shall furnish such Committee with any return or return information specified (emphasis added)."

Here is an excerpt from their exchange:

Rep. Doggett: "Since you're fully aware of [how the statute reads], are you willing to fulfill the command of this statute and your mandatory duty, to promptly release any personal and business tax returns of President Trump that you're requested to provide?"

Secretary Mnuchin: "The answer is I will, if I receive a request, which I presume, from what I have read in the press I will receive, I will consult with the legal department within Treasury and I will follow the law."

Rep. Doggett: "Have you received any instruction or guidance of any kind about how to handle Congressional requests for President Trump's tax returns, and if so, from whom?"

Secretary Mnuchin: "I have, because I have read this in the press. So first off, I haven't received this request. If you have the request for me today, I'm happy to accept it. If not, if you decide in the future to deliver this we will receive it...I have discussed with the legal department in the Treasury that we will most likely receive this request...we will follow the law and we will protect the President, as we would protect any individual taxpayer under their rights."

Rep. Doggett concluded: "Are you seeking advice on the meaning of the word ‘shall'?"

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