Senator Norton sound like she's going to cough up a lung. #ClintonFoundationHearing
We need to move on to the whistleblower testimonies asap.
Senator Watson Coleman gets the hack Hackney to say why he suddenly refuses to speak to why they are there. He wrote op-ed against Trump.
Senator Meadows now asking if Hackney could audit Trump Foundation based on docs he's seen and refer it as a criminal matter. Hackney wrote in his op-ed that it appears false statements are enough for criminal referral. Says he was called last minute by Dems.
Meadows - the investigation into CF was run by Rod Rosenstein and Andrew McCabe.
CF whistleblowers Mr. Doyle and Mr. Monahan doing opening statements now. #ClintonFoundation
Larry Doyle says US nonprofits make up the 10th largest economy in the world!
John Moynihan is a nonpartisan law enforcement professional who followed facts. He applauds Clinton Foundation's philanthropic efforts. His commitment is to protect taxpayer dollars. He hasn't made any conclusion, but has a submission of probable cause to the IRS.
This is a complex issue with facts that indicate CF operated outside its approval from the IRS. They looked at 990's for revenue and expense sources. They were unable to reconcile them.
Less than 1/10 of a percent of donors gave 80% of the money. They followed the money.
Conclusions - CF should have registered under FARA. It shouldn't be entitled to 501-c3 and exceeded purposes detailed in its original creation. Intentional misuse of donated funds for domestic and foreign activities - Profit oriented and taxable.
Jordan - asks their backgrounds. Senator Connelly said the men were in midst of a lawsuit. Moynihan says that's completely inaccurate. They submitted to IRS 8/11/2017 probable claim. This is first time they've done this.
Norton - why won't you give us what you submitted to IRS? Moynihan says it is only applicable to IRS issues, not the entire issue. She says they told her staff they were plaintiffs in a lawsuit. He says they did not say that.
Doyle - both sides have the same materials. Moynihan later learned materials were supplied to Rep side by John Solomon. They did not know he would give them to Republicans.
Senator Blum asks what percent money goes to beneficiaries in CF. Based on 990's they have it was around 40% to beneficiaries and 60% administrative. They don't have subpoena power so don't think it's complete.
Moynihan says they came across pay-to-play but it was outside their financial boundaries.
Jordan - example of foreign gov agreements with CF - Mozambique - CF was there to support ministry of health brokering money and pharmaceuticals for Mozambique. Operated as a closely held family partnership, not a charity.
The CF became a hybrid modeled after the Global Fund in Geneva, Switzerland. Unitaid became the single largest donor to the CF. They are not eligible to be an exempt organization.
Meadows - based on your facts is there probable cause of wrongdoing? Both say YES. They submitted 6000 pages to the IRS and Meadows wants them to give it to the committee. They are conferring with their attorneys.
They are NOT going to provide the documents to the committee but will answer questions. Meadows says he will compel them to provide the docs. Moynihan says the IRS submission stands on its own merit. They interview Andy Kessel 11/30/2016 and found evidence of crime.
Confidentiality agreement with a woman they interviewed. Very senior position within CHAI that has $900 million of assets. She said the funds were used as a piggy bank for travel and personal expense. She also referenced Bill Clinton's relationship with Bill Gates.
Meadows says it's critically important for the committee to have their documents. They did submit them to the FBI and they believe there is an open criminal investigation in Little Rock, AR based on their info on the CF. Now makes sense Mr. Huber is not here!
Senator Hice - Moynihan argues that congress invited them. They sent in early April and more info in mid April late May and early Oct and communication in late November two weeks ago with assistant US attorney. They said they were reviewing their materials. Also sent to IG.
Evidence of quid-pro-quo? Yes they found it in their investigation.
Norton - FBI never confirmed if there was an open criminal investigation did they? Doyle - no they didn't. Moynihan says that any action will be taken by IRS. Yes whistleblower statute allows for a reward. 10-30% payout. Billions of dollars potentially.
IRS sent a denial letter and they sent an appeal. Their letter from Atlanta doesn't reconcile with what's going on in Little Rock (FBI.)
Meadows - what makes them believe there is a criminal investigation in Little Rock? Doyle - in August conversation, the attorney said this was an open and ongoing investigation. Why doesn't IRS regard that as substantial? IRS was surprised with their interaction w FBI.
Meadows had asked Huber to come and give a testimony and a few days before scheduled hearing, Huber's second in command called the whistleblowers and asked for the same info again. They didn't respond to earlier letters.
Meadows - you shared the documents with all of those people, and you won't share them with the American people? Meadows - I thought you were all about the rule of law? Moynihan says congress is not able to bring a case against the Clinton Foundation. Meadows - we will get them
