Chairman Neal Issues Subpoenas for Trump Tax Returns
Representative Richard Neal, D-Mass., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Friday issued subpoenas for six years of President Donald Trump’s tax returns.
The subpoenas give Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig until 5 p.m. next Friday to turn them over.
“After reviewing the options available to me, and upon the advice of counsel, I issued subpoenas today to the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commissioner of the IRS for six years of personal and business returns,” Neal said in a statement.
“While I do not take this step lightly, I believe this action gives us the best opportunity to succeed and obtain the requested material. I sincerely hope that the Treasury Department will furnish the requested material in the next week so the committee can quickly begin its work.”
The action by Chairman Neal came days after Mnuchin refused to comply with demands to turn over the returns.
Mnuchin had put off a firm response for nearly a month but in a letter Monday officially declined the request. He said the Justice Department would issue a published legal opinion affirming the decision “as soon as practicable.”
“I have determined that the committee’s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose,” Mnuchin said. “The department may not lawfully fulfill the committee’s request.”
In a letter sent to the Trump administration officials Friday, Neal reiterated that federal law states that the IRS “shall furnish” the tax returns of any individual upon the request of the chairmen of Congress’ tax-writing committees.
He also said the Ways and Means committee “has never been denied” such a request.
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