Baucus Urges Confirmation of Treasury Nominees Cohen and LeCompte

Finance Chair Says Nominees Will Help Treasury Root Out Terrorism Financing and Maintain Strong Communications with the Public

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) urged the confirmation of David S. Cohen to be Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Crimes and Jenni R. LeCompte to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs following a hearing held today to discuss their nominations.  Baucus said confirming these nominees will help the Treasury Department root out terrorist financing and communicate with the public at a time when the Department is working to move the economy back to full strength.

“Treasury needs all hands on deck as it works to continue our economic recovery,” Baucus said.  “David Cohen’s experience stamping out terrorism makes him an ideal choice to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes.  We face new, often invisible challenges to our security, and Mr. Cohen’s leadership will help preserve our safety.  Jenni LeCompte’s successes at Treasury have her well-prepared to step in as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, and I am confident that if confirmed, she will excel in her new job.”

Baucus spoke with Cohen about the crucial role the Treasury Department plays in combatting terrorism.  Cohen became the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Terrorist Financing in 2009, and since then, has been responsible for formulating and coordinating anti-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering efforts.  If confirmed as Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Crimes, he would lead the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence in its mission to combat terrorist financing and money laundering domestically and internationally.  Cohen currently serves as Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes and previously served as Acting Deputy General Counsel and Associate Deputy General Counsel at the Treasury Department.

Baucus also stressed to LeCompte the importance of making the American people aware of the enormous tasks the Treasury Department undertakes.  LeCompte, who has served as the Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary for Public Affairs Operations since 2009, would manage the Department’s media relations and act as the official spokesperson if confirmed.

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