US Treasury Tell Republicans They Can Not Request Hunter’s Records

The suspicious activity reports Republican lawmakers are seeking could indicate money laundering or fraud. But the Treasury's decision to require the request must come through a committee controlled by Democrats makes obtaining the files almost impossible. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janel Yellen says her refusal to comply "is not a political process, Since the beginning of this Administration, Treasury has made SARs [Suspicious Activity Reports] available in response to authorized committee requests and continues to engage on the process with any individual members seeking information."

Republican Kentucky Representative James Comer, the Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said the Biden administration had changed standard operating rules to protect Hunter Biden from Republican investigations.

"The Biden administration is restricting Congress' access to SARs, and Committee Republicans are investigating whether this change in longstanding policy is motivated by efforts to shield Hunter Biden and potentially President Biden from scrutiny," he stated in a July 6 letter.

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Fox News reported the U.S. Treasury claimed it provided some pertinent information. Still, Rep. Comer denied this claim, saying, "It is troubling that the Biden administration is willing to provide a false story to the media to create the appearance of transparency while continuing to thwart congressional oversight."

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Reuters reported the request made to the Treasury was requested under the Bank Secrecy Act, which is intended to counteract money laundering. Some predictions say the upcoming mid-term elections could flip control from the Democrats to the Republicans. In the House of Representatives, Democrats outnumber Republicans from 223 to 212. As it stands now, Hunter Biden's financial records may avoid scrutiny until then unless the SARs request comes from relevant congressional committees or Secretary Yellen has a change of heart.