[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 130 (Wednesday, August 1, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NOMINATION OBJECTION

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I am placing a hold on the nomination 
of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. I will 
maintain that hold until the Treasury Department provides the Senate 
Finance Committee 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 have yet to receive an answer 
of any kind.
  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. Muzinich is nominated to serve 
as the No. 2 official 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. Muzinich.

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