Treasury nominee Timothy Geithner's onetime housekeeper lost her immigration status while working for him, and he failed to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes from 2001 to 2004, two black eyes that President-elect Barack Obama nevertheless said should not jeopardize Geithner's nomination.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., called committee members to his office this afternoon to discuss the matter before confirmation hearings begin Thursday for Geithner, currently president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Obama surrogates argued that the infractions were minor and should not tarnish Geithner's candidacy.
"He's dedicated his career to our country and served with honor, intelligence and distinction," incoming White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said today. "That service should not be tarnished by honest mistakes, which, upon learning of them, he quickly addressed. He made a common mistake on his taxes, and was unaware that his part-time housekeeper's work authorization expired for the last three months of her employment."
Geithner would not be the first Cabinet appointee to be derailed by "immigration woes." Bernard Kerik, a Homeland Security pick for President Bush in 2004; Linda Chavez, Bush's first choice for Labor secretary; and Zoe Baird, President Clinton's first attorney general nominee, were all felled by revelations that they had employed illegal immigrants.
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Responded on December 16, 2011 4:58 AM
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Responded on August 12, 2011 8:17 AM
Car Lease
Government policies are difficult to understand sometimes lets see what will be the further development on this.
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Responded on August 6, 2011 7:02 AM
Migration Tax Australia
The article really has some nice information good to see this really learnt more about the government and the government policies.
Migration Tax Australia
Responded on June 18, 2011 7:37 AM
Private Funds
Informative articles. Has made clear many points. Thanks
Responded on May 31, 2011 8:55 AM
Nelson Potter
I know the issue at hand and also realize the concerns of all parties. That observation despite, I would like to connect my reserved voice in maintaining of President-Elect's nominee Tim Geithner. Payday cash
Responded on January 14, 2009 6:57 AM
Jean-Pierre E. Mbei
I understand the issue at hand. I also understand the concerns of all parties, I truly do. That observation not withstanding, I would like to add my modest voice in support of President-Elect's nominee Tim Geithner. In the past, administrations have lost excellent candidates because of such "minor" and probably unintentional and honest mistakes. The case of the talented Zoe Baird is still fresh in my memory and, strangely, a couple weeks ago, I discussed it with a friend. It is unfortunate that because Zoe employed an illegal immigrant--who hasn't employed one, anyway?- she was denied the opportunity to serve our country at that level. While I do believe that none should be above the law, I also think that certain mistakes are honest and therefore, easily excusable. Such honest minstakes should not become heavy rocks during a confirmation process, unless the nominee denies them. Aliens who apply for citizenship and are found to have broken our labor law (e.g., illegal employment) are asked to pay a fine. Once they pay the fine, they are granted citizenship. I think tha...
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I understand the issue at hand. I also understand the concerns of all parties, I truly do. That observation not withstanding, I would like to add my modest voice in support of President-Elect's nominee Tim Geithner.
In the past, administrations have lost excellent candidates because of such "minor" and probably unintentional and honest mistakes. The case of the talented Zoe Baird is still fresh in my memory and, strangely, a couple weeks ago, I discussed it with a friend. It is unfortunate that because Zoe employed an illegal immigrant--who hasn't employed one, anyway?- she was denied the opportunity to serve our country at that level. While I do believe that none should be above the law, I also think that certain mistakes are honest and therefore, easily excusable. Such honest minstakes should not become heavy rocks during a confirmation process, unless the nominee denies them.
Aliens who apply for citizenship and are found to have broken our labor law (e.g., illegal employment) are asked to pay a fine. Once they pay the fine, they are granted citizenship. I think that was the case a few years ago.
Tim has acknowledged his mistakes and paid his due. Let him assume his functions. Please, proceed with confirmation and confirm him. America will be thankful to both the President-Elect and Congress for nominating and confirming him.
Jean-Pierre E. Mbei (MBA, MS)
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