politics
Senate Republicans question IRS audit immunity agreement
Five Republican senators told Semafor they have questions about a Justice Department agreement shielding President Trump, his family, and his businesses from IRS audits. Some said they oppose the protection and may seek to repeal it through amendments.
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The senators said the agreement, announced last month, could affect the confirmation of the attorney general nominee. One senator said the nominee promised a briefing on the deal before a Judiciary Committee hearing next month.
Background on the agreement The audit protection was announced alongside a $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who alleged unjust federal prosecution. The administration later withdrew support for the fund but kept the audit immunity portion. Under the agreement, Trump and his network are excused from audits or other federal probes of past tax filings.
Former IRS and DOJ officials said the settlement exceeds the scope of the underlying lawsuit.
Lawmakers seek details Senators said they want clarification on whether the deal blocks future audits of past filings or applies only to certain filings. One senator said amendments to repeal the agreement are expected. Another senator said the Finance Committee should review the agreement.
" The agreement may have saved more than $100 million in liability under now-closed inquiries. A Justice Department spokesperson said the department is working to set up the requested briefing. A federal judge has reopened the IRS case, citing concerns that the president may have misled the court about the settlement process.
