Nomination Objection

Floor Speech

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Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I am placing a hold on the nomination of Michael Faulkender to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy, which was reported favorably from the Finance Committee on September 18, 2018. I will maintain that hold until the Treasury Department provides the Senate Finance Committee sufficient information and documents related to Russia and its financial dealings with President Trump and his associates, as well as outside organizations Russia used to help elect him. I originally asked for these documents on May 10, 2017, and, to date, have still not received satisfactory responses to these important matters.

I have stated repeatedly that we must follow the money if we are going to get to the bottom of how Russia has attacked our democracy. That means thoroughly reviewing any information that relates to financial connections between Russia and President Trump and his associates, whether direct or laundered through hidden or illicit transactions.

The Treasury Department for which Mr. Faulkender is nominated to serve is responsible for much of this information. The Treasury Department authorities include intelligence and enforcement functions to combat financial crimes and threats, including money laundering.

For these reasons, I will object to any unanimous consent request concerning the nomination of Mr. Faulkender until these issues are resolved.

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