Democrat puts Trump nomination on hold until docs in Russian investigation provided

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon released a statement saying that he was putting President Trump's nomination on hold until documents were provided to the investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election. He released the statement Wednesday.

I've placed a hold on nominee for Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism & Financial Intelligence until Trump Admin produces Russia docs pic.twitter.com/Tw8tEDhoXT

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) May 10, 2017

"I have stated repeatedly that we have to follow the money if we are going to get to the bottom of how Russia has attacked our democracy," the statement read. "That means thoroughly review any information that relates to financial connections between Russia and President Trump and his associates, whether direct or laundered through hidden or illicit transactions. The office which Ms. Mandelker has been nominated to head is responsible for much of this information."

Trump nominated Sigal Mandelker, a former Department of Justice official, to serve as undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence in March.

The Senate Intelligence Committee made the request for financial information of Trump associates for the Russian investigation Tuesday. "We've made a request, to FinCEN in the Treasury Department, to make sure, not just for example vis-a-vis the president, but just overall our effort to try to follow the intel no matter where it leads," said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.).

"You get materials that show if there have been, what level of financial ties between, I mean some of the stuff, some of the Trump-related officials, Trump campaign-related officials and other officials and where those dollars flow — not necessarily from Russia."

Wyden could have felt the need to speed up the request given that so many are accusing Trump of firing FBI Director Comey Tuesday in order to stave off the investigation into Russian collusion.