Pascrell Statement on Request for Trump Tax Returns

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey’s only member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, commented on the announcement by Ways and Means chairman Richard Neal (D-MA-01) that he was requesting Donald Trump’s business and personal tax returns from 2013 to 2018, pursuant to his clear authority under 26 U.S.C. § 6103(f).

“After two years of us pressing the issue, the Ways and Means Committee under Democratic control has finally used our authority to request Donald Trump’s tax returns. Americans have a right to know is their President is compromised or corrupt. For much of his adult life, Trump has used his power to shield himself from scrutiny or accountability. Subjecting his tax records to sunlight can finally hold him to both. To that I say, Amen. After a long first chapter, this is chapter two – and we’re ready. Trump is now claiming that he is under an IRS audit and that this shields him from our request. This is a lie. The law is crystal clear and brokers no exceptions. We are prepared legally and morally. If they want a fight, they’ll get a fight.”

For over two years, Rep. Pascrell has led the fight in Congress to obtain Donald Trump’s tax returns. In the 115th Congress, Rep. Pascrell tried repeated attempts to make the request bipartisan, but majority Republicans blocked 18 separate attempts by Pascrell and his colleagues to obtain Trump’s tax returns pursuant to Congress’s power under 26 U.S.C. § 6103(f).

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