Neal Statement on Cancellation of Hearing on Shutdown’s Impacts

WASHINGTON, DC – Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after cancelling tomorrow's scheduled hearing on the impact of the government shutdown on the Treasury Department and American taxpayers:

"As the government shutdown moves into its second month, Ways & Means members have many urgent concerns they'd like to raise with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin – that's why I requested he appear before our committee tomorrow morning. The Secretary declined to come speak with us, so I am cancelling the hearing. With tax filing season beginning in five days and the timely issuing of taxpayer refunds at stake, we need to hear directly from the Secretary to gain greater clarity regarding the IRS' capabilities during the shutdown. Reports indicate the agency is unprepared. We are also extremely worried about the wellbeing of the more than 70,000 Treasury employees who are about to miss their second paycheck in a row, including 45,000 employees who are expected to work without pay. We expect the Secretary to come answer our questions in the very near future."

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