The thing is the Courts have already established that the Legislative Branch gets to decide what is or is not a valid legislative purpose.
While you and I are free to disagree withe the Legislature, our recourse only comes once every couple of years.
I am not familiar with that ruling. Could you provide a link for educational purposes.
When the Constitution gave the Legislative Branch the power to legislate and levy taxes.
The LB has a duty to see that their laws are working as intended.
If the laws are not working as intended, the LB has a duty to change the laws.
We have a branch just for that exact purpose. The Joint Committee on Finance. (JFC) Their duties include:
Assisting Congressional tax-writing committees and Members of Congress with development and analysis of legislative proposals;
Preparing official revenue estimates of all tax legislation considered by the Congress;
Drafting legislative histories for tax-related bills; and
Investigating various aspects of the Federal tax system.
Now the Ways & Means committee wants to insure the IRS is following federal law and for that purpose they only need Trumps tax returns for the last 6 years.
As I am not convinced the Ways and Means committee can decide on what is and what isn't a legislative purpose, I am not convinced they can simply ignore the 4th amendment or existing rights to privacy just for a political purpose of haranguing a President on a document that is not required to be produced by any presidential candidate.
Its going to be interesting though but here is the scary part. I am sure you remember during the Obama years when Democrats decided to change the Senate rules from 60% to 50% to confirm a SCOTUS and how it came back to bite them in the ass during the Gorsuch and Kavanaugh confirmations. Are we not opening the very same door just for a quick fix because we hate a president.
Isn't it obvious to most (If successful) this is going to be used by EVERY sitting gavel holder on the committee from here to eternity. We are comfortable with allowing these politicians the power to just supersede any existing privacy laws so they can get dirt or inside information on any opponent?
And just for s***s and giggles, What do they expect to find in a few thousand pages of Trump Org tax return? Do they not know that his taxes are prepared by some of the nations largest accounting firms who are federally liable for any fraud or mistake in those returns.
Do they not know that the president is not subject to any conflict of interest law simply by virtue of his office. Title 18 Section 208 of the United States Code is the relevant provision concerning conflicts of interest of officers and employees of the executive branch.
Now, In this haste to try and stop Trump and resend his constitutional executive authority granted by we the people, you have people like Elisabeth Warren providing new legislation to remove the constitutional right governing conflict of interest. Democrats are falling all over themselves again trying to change the emoluments clause and are actively seeking to eliminate as much executive power as they can from the office.
Pretty soon we won't need a President any more. Without the executive powers provided to that office it would be a waste of time to have the office. But as per usual. Democrats don't have any rear view mirrors and as long as Trump is in office they were rip apart anything they can find in the constitution that supports Trump.
Personally, I think its pretty clear Trump isn't going to be in office for the next 60 years but this kind of power being discussed because we don't like Trump is not responsible or positive for the US. Its a dangerous path and not even a consideration. Where will these committee members stop, no matter who is in power.
It's possible that the ScotUS will rule on it.
It's more probable that the issue will be pursued to the ScotUS level.
Idk if the ScotUS will decide to hear the case or not.
They often skip cases which are straightforward and the lower courts' ruling seem in accord with the law.
However, the PotUS is involved.
So, the ScotUS may decide to get involved and make a statement.
I hope you have a good time while you are away.
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