February 11,2013

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Baucus Comment on Confirmation Hearing for Treasury Nominee Jack Lew

To:        Reporters and Editors
From:    The Communications Office of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re:        Baucus Comment on Confirmation Hearing for Treasury Nominee Jack Lew

On Wednesday, February 13, the Senate Finance Committee will convene a hearing to consider the nomination of White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew to be the next Treasury Secretary.  For the past two weeks, the Finance Committee has been reviewing Mr. Lew’s tax returns, personal records and responses to a committee questionnaire as part of the committee’s normal due diligence nominations review process.  Both Republican and Democratic Committee staff have met with Mr. Lew for hours of additional questioning as well.  Mr. Lew has been forthcoming and in complete compliance with committee questions.  Chairman Max Baucus released the following statement today in advance of the hearing:

“Mr. Lew has been confirmed by the Senate three times already.  I don’t expect there to be any reason why he should not be confirmed this time around as well.

“Every Senator on the Finance Committee will have the opportunity to ask Mr. Lew tough questions and voice their opinion.  I encourage them to do so.  I certainly will.  That said, Mr. Lew deserves to be treated with respect and provided an open and fair hearing.  I expect nothing less.

“We have a tremendous amount of work to do over the next couple months to get our fiscal house in order.  It is my hope that — after this thorough vetting process – Jack Lew will be quickly confirmed so he can help tackle our country’s pressing economic issues.”

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