Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) will preside over a hearing next week on disclosure of presidential tax returns. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)A House panel is set to examine proposals that would force the public disclosure of presidential and vice-presidential tax returns, a direct challenge from Democrats to President Trump’s norm-breaking decision not to reveal his own. The panel’s chairman, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), did not provide details about the hearing Thursday beyond its title, “Legislative Proposals and Tax Law Related to Presidential and Vice-Presidential Tax Returns,” and a list of witnesses. The hearing is a crucial first step for congressional Democrats, who have said they plan to pursue multiple avenues to force Trump to disclose his returns and also force future presidential and vice-presidential candidates to follow suit. A broad political reform bill supported by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and co-sponsored by 226 other Democrats includes a provision requiring presidential and vice-presidential candidates to submit their 10 most recent tax returns to the Federal Election Commission for public disclosure.

Source: Washington Post January 31, 2019 22:17 UTC