"This request is about policy, not politics," Neal added, as Republicans in Congress swiftly rejected that assertion.
"Weaponizing our nation’s tax code by targeting political foes sets a dangerous precedent and weakens American’s privacy rights," said Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, who labeled the request a 'violation of law.'
Chairman @RepRichardNeal has sent a written request to @IRSnews formally requesting #POTUS’ #taxreturns. Details here: pic.twitter.com/fwcbG9qpBI
— Ways & Means Committee (@WaysMeansCmte) April 3, 2019
Under Section 6103(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, three committees in Congress have the power to request individual tax returns.
That section of the IRS code states the following:
"Upon written request from the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate, or the chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Secretary shall furnish such committee with any return or return information specified in such request."
At the White House, President Trump was asked in an evening photo op about the request, and he responded as he has to previous questions about his tax returns, saying he can't release them in part because his returns are under IRS audit.
"I'm always under audit, it seems, but I've been under audit for many years because the numbers are big, and I guess when you have a name, you're audited," Mr. Trump said to reporters, as he indicated he would not turn over his returns to the Congress.
"But until such time as I'm not under audit, I would not be inclined to do it."
TRUMP on House request for his tax returns:
— JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) April 3, 2019
“I'm always under audit, it seems, but I've been under audit for many years because the numbers are big, and I guess when you have a name, you're audited. But until such time as I'm not under audit, I would not be inclined to do it.” pic.twitter.com/JCvaTYZFGL
Among Democrats in Congress, there was a burst of praise for the request for the personal and business tax returns.
"Federal law is clear that our Chairman has the legal authority to request and receive these returns and the Administration has no legal basis to refuse to comply with this request," said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA).
"The American people deserve to know that their elected officials are acting in the public’s best interest, not their own self-interest," said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI).
Democrat @RepDanKildee responds to his colleague, House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, sending a letter to the IRS demanding Trump’s tax returns from 2013-2018: “There’s no question that we have the authority to gain access to his returns.” https://t.co/etdJKsXN55 pic.twitter.com/rYkjTUeLpD
— CNN (@CNN) April 3, 2019
The law is crystal clear: @USTreasury must provide tax returns to the Ways & Means and Finance Committees when the chairman requests them. I expect them to comply in a timely manner.@ChuckGrassley should make the same request so @SenateFinance members are also able to see them. https://t.co/Q5cfkrDx0P
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 3, 2019
(1/3) As a member of @WaysMeansCmte, I strongly support Chairman Neal’s request for 6 years of the president’s personal and business tax returns. It is vital for accountability.
— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) April 3, 2019
It was not immediately apparent if the IRS would comply - or, if the President would raise an objection.
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