Congressional deadline for records

Three U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits tied to Shanghai-based financier Neville Roy Singham face an October 20 deadline to turn over financial and organizational records.

House subpoena demands

The People’s Forum, BreakThrough News and Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research must comply with July subpoenas or face an escalation that could put 21 people under oath.

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith's warning

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Missouri), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said: 'Either these organizations turn over the documents, or their leaders will answer the Committee's questions under oath.'

“Either these organizations turn over the documents, or their leaders will answer the Committee's questions under oath.”

Singham's alleged funding

The People’s Forum alone received more than $20 million from Singham's network, the committee said.

Committee's investigation focus

Investigators want records on fiscal sponsorships involving foreign nationals or entities, along with communications involving Singham about the organizations' finances, governance and structure.

BreakThrough News dispute

BreakThrough News disputed the committee's demands in an October 9 statement, arguing they infringe First Amendment protections.

Congressional inquiry purpose

The committee says its inquiry will help determine whether existing tax-exemption standards adequately address foreign influence and control, and whether Congress should change those standards.