Murphy wants Trump to release tax returns

There is no law requiring presidential candidates to release their individual tax returns to the public, but Democratic Sens.

Senators Ron Wyden from OR and Chris Murphy from CT told reporters Thursday that they will ask the Senate to take up the issue next month when Congress returns from summer recess.

Since Donald Trump has declined to release his tax returns, Sen. Clinton’s campaign released a television ad Thursday claiming Trump is hiding something by not unveiling his tax returns.

Democrats might take their push to force GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump to disclose his recent tax returns to the Senate floor next month, potentially complicating congressional efforts to address the Zika virus and fund the government past September 30.

Murphy alleged Trump is using the campaign largely to increase his own net worth, and speculated the candidate may not want to publicize Russian investments.

Wyden and Murphy argued that for Trump to ignore a 40-year tradition of candidates releasing tax returns means voters are in the dark about a host of issues surrounding the NY real estate mogul’s financial net worth, tax payments and income sources.

“Since Watergate, every single Democrat, every single Republican has said this is something the American people have a right to have before they vote for the most important office in the world”. “For almost 40 years presidential candidates from major political parties have respected this tradition and voluntarily released tax returns during the campaign”.

“This information should be available to voters before they vote”, Wyden said. While Trump has not yet released the information, his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has said he plans to release his returns in coming weeks.

WAMC’s Ian Pickus speaks with WAMC’s political observer Alan Chartock about the political implications of Donald Trump’s decision not to release his tax returns.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Trump has disclosed his tax returns in the past to casino regulators. “In fact, nobody’s 2015 returns would be under audit this soon”.

If the nominee fails to do so, the Federal Election Commission would request the returns from the Treasury Department and then make them public. The Republican Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell (Ky.), controls the Senate floor, however, and there is little indication it will be taken up.

Wyden and Murphy are calling on GOP leaders to bring up their bill when Congress reconvenes next month. If Democrats try attaching the presidential tax provision, it could complicate that effort.

Wyden’s bill -which has five co-sponsors, including Sen.

Joe Visconti, a CT supporter of Trump who has run for office as an ultra-conservative Republican, dismissed Murphy’s outrage over Trump’s non-disclosure of taxes.