[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 157 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6272]
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 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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