Signing my tax return…. pic.twitter.com/XJfXeaORbU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 15, 2015
House Democrats on Monday offered a resolution in an attempt keep the issue of the release of Donald Trump‘s tax returns on the negotiating table in exchange for any tax reform bills in the House of Representatives.
Democratic Rep. Hakeen Jeffries introduced the rather unique resolution, according to The Hill, because “it would direct the House to delay consideration of tax-reform legislation until after lawmakers review Trump’s tax returns and determine how the president could benefit from tax-code changes”
As a member of the House Democratic leadership, Jeffries maintains the ability to tag measures as “privileged.” This entitles him to have his matters brought before the House for action within 48 hours, or two legislative days.
Jeffries’ resolution also seeks for the House Ways and Means Committee to be given the ability to obtain and Trump’s returns and review them in a closed session.
Republican Rep. Bob Woodall was reportedly presiding over the House at the time the matter was offered and stated a ruling on privilege would be made at a later date.
Past attempts to tag resolutions as “privileged” have failed in the House, mostly along party line votes. The fate of Jeffries effort remains unknown.
President Trump claimed during the campaign his taxes were under audit and he would not release them, pursuant to his lawyers advice. That made him the first presidential candidate in decades to never release his tax returns to the public prior to talking office.
[image via screengrab]
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