Why it Matters
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing Nov. 10 to consider the nominations of Francis Browne and Robert Stebbins to Treasury posts, and Christopher Abbott to a Commerce Department position.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said he intends to vote against Abbott, the Commerce nominee, after Abbott told him he was "not involved" in publishing tariff reports. Wyden also pressed Stebbins, the Treasury General Counsel nominee, on an IRS audit settlement involving President Donald Trump, but Stebbins declined to give a yes-or-no answer.
The Big Picture
The committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), held discussions on Browne, nominee for Under Secretary for Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Stebbins, nominee for General Counsel, Department of the Treasury; and Abbott, nominee for Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, Department of Commerce.
What They're Saying
Wyden asked Stebbins whether the president and his businesses should face the same tax and audit rules as every other American. Stebbins said, "I'm not going to be able to give you a yes or an answer." He added that he had "not looked into the facts" or the law.
Wyden responded, "You are in the middle of a deflection exercise." Stebbins answered, "Sir, I'm not in the role yet."
Stebbins gave a direct answer on a related question. Asked whether the IRS may revoke a nonprofit's status solely over political views, he said, "I don't believe it's legal."
Wyden then asked Abbott why Commerce is "zero for 13" on meeting a legal requirement to publish Section 232 reports. Abbott replied, "I'm not involved in that process." Wyden closed by saying he intends to vote against the nominee.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) asked Browne to commit to opposing efforts to dismantle the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Browne said, "I look forward to working with this committee on it."
Political Stakes
Wyden's announced opposition puts one committee Democrat on record against Abbott. The Finance Committee has 13 Republicans and 13 Democrats.
In May, Wyden and Finance Democrats called on Crapo to open a bipartisan investigation into a Trump-related settlement and tax-audit interference.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) said in a statement that he secured commitments from the nominees to defend Wyoming soda ash producers and to support Wyoming uranium producers and community banks.
The Bottom Line
The three nominations remain pending before the committee. A business meeting on these nominees would be the committee's next step.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article
