THE U.S. JUST BANNED ANONYMOUS SHELL COMPANIES

Pardon the all-caps, but the Senate's veto override today means that the U.S. A) just eliminated the primary building block in America's transformation into an offshore haven, and B) passed the most sweeping counter-kleptocracy reforms in decades—potentially ever.
Incredible news, and an incredible way to start 2021. What a moment. https://t.co/AN9jjowOnu
Huge boost to American credibility in the fight against modern kleptocracy. Huge blow to those who'd turned to the U.S. time and again for their laundering needs, and those U.S. states that had transformed into money laundering havens of their own.

Just phenomenal news.
Again, this is a massive testament to all those who exposed the rot these anonymous shell companies led to, especially the journalists who exposed the laundering networks and civil society activists pressuring legislators to make this change (when it seemed next to impossible).
The fight against anonymity, and these American kleptocratic building blocks, is hardly over. Trusts, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, art houses, auction houses... much work remains.

But today is absolutely a day to celebrate. https://t.co/AN9jjowOnu
One other thing: This was not only a clear rebuke to Trump (and the first veto override!), but it was absolutely a bipartisan endeavor. The legislation banning shell companies couldn't have been passed without a broad, broad base of support and stakeholders, across the aisle.
Shameless self-plug, but if you're interested in how the anonymous American shell company industry first developed, and how it helped transform the U.S. into money laundering nirvana—why today is such a huge deal—you can pre-order my book here: https://t.co/QwTpzzhMt4
Statement from Transparency International U.S. (@transparencyUSA) on today's landmark passage:

'This is the first significant update to our anti-money laundering laws in twenty years, and one of the most important anti-corruption measures ever passed by the U.S. Congress.'
This is exactly right from Josh. Today's legislation is the biggest US anti-money laundering move *at least* since the Patriot Act. Given the magnitude of crimes anonymous US shell companies are involved in, it could end up being the most important ever. https://t.co/QrHeOJGxdF
Banning anonymous U.S. shell companies is obviously huge, huge news—but it's not the only anti-corruption/counter-kleptocracy win today. For example: https://t.co/ljgnoOGdxt

More from Government

Let me take a stab at this after years of reporting on Marine One, HMX-1, Continuity of Government, etc. None of this is definitive, but it could help explain what folks are seeing:

1.) HMX-1, which flies the VH-3D and VH-60N 'White Top' helicopters used to move... 1/X


the President and VP around, those helos being called Marine One or Two when either is onboard, need to train. The urban landing zones, including WH and VP Residence, are not simple to get in and out of. So, crews need some currency training. They are not just tasked with... 2/X

moving POTUS and VP to get them around the region and to Andrews AFB for long-haul flights, they are essential to Continuity of Government operations. This means that if a threat were to emerge, they need to be ready to snatch POTUS and VP in minutes. This is partially... 3/X

why they have a full forward operating location at Naval Support Activity Anacostia, just 3 miles from the WH. As such, practice is important and considering the state of things, it is critical now more than in any recent memory. 4/X

2.) Considering what happened last week, including mobs of Trump supporters screaming in unison to hang the VP for doing what the constitution states, absolutely despicable in every way, security has been tightened just as it has been all over. Using the helicopters instead.. 5/X

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