WATCH: Beatty Blasts Sec. Bessent for Failing to Address Her Saying His Staff Would Respond

WASHINGTON, DC – In a tense exchange during today’s House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) confronted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on two critical issues: enforcement gaps in the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) rule and the years-long delay of the Harriet Tubman $20 bill.

When asked whether the BOI rule applied to U.S. nationals, Secretary Bessent responded, “No, ma’am. I am saying that we have bifurcated it, that U.S. nationals do not have to file and that foreign nationals do.”

Rep. Beatty pushed back:

“If we're limiting enforcement of the rule just to the foreign entities, that creates a giant loophole whereby any foreign entity can register in the United States and evade or not do the BOI reporting requirements… It makes it easier for human and drug traffickers, cartels, terrorists, organizations, and other criminals to do business in the United States.”

She then asked for an update on the Harriet Tubman $20 bill. Secretary Bessent replied:

“Uh, no, ma'am. I, I can't, but my staff will get back to you.”

To which Beatty responded:

“I want you to get back to me, because see, there seems to be an issue when it comes to things that affect people of color or people who live in poverty… My staff person didn't ask them the question. I did.”

When the Chairman attempted to move on, Rep. Beatty stood her ground:

“I will not stop. I will not be silenced… I am a member of the United States Congress… I’m not gonna stop this morning until you respond to me.”

Watch the heated exchange HERE. 

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