WASHINGTON – Top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s partisan decision telling Treasury to release former President Trump’s tax returns to the Committee:

“Whether or not you believe President Trump should have made his tax returns public, every taxpayer should be alarmed by this politically motivated Justice Department ruling.

“Privacy should matter. Instead, this sets a dangerous precedent that weaponizes the tax code by giving Congress the dangerous power to rummage through anyone’s private tax returns for purely political reasons.

“If politicians in Congress can demand, and ultimately make public, the President’s private tax returns, what stops them from doing the same to others they view as a political enemy?”

Democrats have made clear their intent to publicize these tax returns:

“Committee Democrats remain steadfast in our pursuit to have [President Trump’s] individual tax returns disclosed to the public.” – Rep. Richie Neal (D-MA)

The Committee’s Oversight Subcommittee hearing was intended to “lay the foundation for the public purpose to acquire access to these returns.” – Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)

“Probably the approach would be to get all of it, review it, and, depending on what that shows, release all or part of it.” – Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

“There has to be a thorough review of it — and not just by members but by bringing in experts like CPAs to say, ‘What does this show?’” – Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

“This is about transparency and accountability,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), referring to Mr. Trump’s tax returns. “We’re obviously staffing up for this potential investigation, and I fully expect to have tax experts and folks who look at tax returns reviewing that and giving us guidance on that. But I also expect us to work on legislating.”

“Someone who has as broad of scope of authority as the president — we need to know as much about the financial affairs and business affairs as possible.” – Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)