Qatar experts gave testimony to a House Foreign Affaris subcommittee hearing on relations with the U.S. and the recent blockade imposed by six Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, over alleged reports of terrorism financing and ties to extremist groups. Panelists offered testimony on the current status of the U.S. military base in Qatar and the implications of the regional blockade for U.S. foreign policy. Other questions focused on combating terrorism in the region, Qatar's alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, and how the U.S. could use their military base in Qatar as leverage in negotiating proceedings.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified on Capitol Hill regarding his agency's 2018 budget request for various programs within the department. During the hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services, Secretary Mnuchin also revealed that the administration is very close to releasing its detailed tax reform plan. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen also appeared before the subcommittee to talk about the funding request. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) chairs the subcommittee while Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) serves as the ranking member.
