Washington, D.C. (May 31, 2023)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, issued a statement following his call with FBI Director Christopher Wray, which was scheduled after Chairman Comer refused to allow the Ranking Member to participate in the Committee’s call with Director Wray.  The Ranking Member scheduled a separate call so that Director Wray could brief Committee Democrats on the information the FBI would make available in response to the Committee’s subpoena.

“Director Wray informed me that the FBI has agreed to accommodate the Committee’s request by making the document sought by Chairman Comer available for in person review.  The FBI will also provide context on the Trump Justice Department’s steps to follow up on the unsubstantiated, second-hand claims contained in this tip.  Although Chairman Comer has publicly claimed the FBI’s follow-up is central to his inquiry, he failed to include it in his request, which is mysterious to me.  In any case, the FBI has made clear in conversations with the Committee leading up to today’s call, it continues to work in good faith to accommodate Committee Republicans’ request in a manner that will not jeopardize its law enforcement mission, its confidential human source program, or the safety of its informants.

“Despite these extraordinary accommodations—and the fact that Republicans have claimed to have access to the very information subpoenaed—Chairman Comer has continued to insist he will hold the FBI Director in contempt.  It is increasingly clear that Committee Republicans have always planned to hold Director Wray in contempt of Congress to distract from the obvious fact that they do not have evidence to support their unfounded accusations against President Biden.  This latest political maneuver underscores Chairman Comer’s determination to use the Committee to help former President Trump’s reelection efforts and pander to extreme MAGA Republicans,” said Ranking Member Raskin.

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