House Democrats are not giving up on trying to force President Trump to share his tax returns with lawmakers.
After several unsuccessful Democratic attempts, Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., is trying to force House GOP leaders’ hands by offering a “resolution of inquiry” in the Ways and Means Committee for ten years worth of Trump’s taxes.
The resolution asks committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, to use a law that allows the Treasury secretary to compel any American to divulge their tax returns to certain congressional committees, including his.
“The smoldering pile of potential conflicts around President Trump is starting to flare up,” Pascrell said in introducing his resolution Friday, setting off a 14-day clock.
“Whether it’s branding deals with foreign governments or local D.C. businesses claiming the president’s hotel holds an unfair advantage, we cannot ignore the signs,” he continued. “I’m a firm believer in the maxim where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The smoke is billowing out of the White House right now. We need to act and we have the power to act. I’m not sure what we’re waiting for.”
If Brady does not schedule Pascrell’s resolution for a committee markup within 14 legislative days, it becomes a “privileged resolution” that can be brought to the House floor for a vote.
Brady’s spokeswoman on Monday said the chairman is “reviewing” Pascrell’s resolution.
Earlier this month, GOP Reps. Walter Jones of North Carolina and Mark Sanford of South Carolina joined all House Democrats in demanding access to Trump’s taxes.
Trump is the only modern president who has not voluntarily made his finances public.
