Dems Demand Watchdog Probe Cheniere’s $370M Tax Break
Five Senate Democrats have escalated their fight over Cheniere Energy's $370 million IRS "alternative fuel" tax payout, formally asking Treasury's internal watchdog to investigate. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), joined by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), sent an Aug. 20 letter to Acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Heather Hill. The letter asks TIGTA to determine how and why the IRS decided LNG tankers qualify as "motorboats" under the Alternative Fuel Excise Tax (AFET) credit—and, notably, whether the call was made to reward President Trump's campaign donors.To view this content, log into your member account. (Not a member? Join Today!)