Steven Mnuchin Refuses to Comply With Subpoena for Trump’s Tax Returns – The New York Times

“I don’t see what good it would do at this particular time,” Mr. Neal told CNN, when asked about the possibility of contempt proceedings. “I think if both sides have made up their minds, better to move it over to the next branch of government, the judiciary.”

That did not sit well among Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee, who have consistently pushed a more aggressive approach toward getting Mr. Trump’s returns. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., Democrat of New Jersey, argued on Friday that the committee should still consider fines and other possible forms of punishment for defying the subpoena.

“What this does, going to court, is absent the Congress from their own responsibilities,” Mr. Pascrell said. He added, “I think that’s a very dangerous position for us to be in.”

Mr. Neal issued a statement on Friday arguing that he had clear authority to issue the request, and vowing to seek other means to guarantee that the administration follows the law.

“The law, by its terms, does not allow for discretion as to whether to comply with a request for tax returns and return information,” Mr. Neal said. “Given the Treasury secretary’s failure to comply today, I am consulting with counsel on how best to enforce the subpoenas moving forward.”