Republican donor Harlan Crow has declined a request from the Senate Finance Committee to provide financial records related to his private yacht and jet travel. The request stems from an inquiry chaired by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) into whether Crow has been improperly claiming business deductions for personal trips, such as those reportedly taken by Justice Clarence Thomas. Previously obtained records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that Justice Thomas had taken multiple undisclosed trips on Crow’s yacht.
The Senate Finance Committee is looking into potential tax evasion or avoidance practices by Crow, particularly in relation to these travels. Despite Wyden’s letter to Crow’s attorney Michael Bopp on August 5, requesting these documents, the Republican donor has refused to comply.
For further context on this developing story, see the original report on Bloomberg Law.