The House Oversight Committee, under the leadership of Chairman James Comer, is intensifying its efforts to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress. This move follows the FBI’s notification to the committee that it will not comply with a subpoena relating to a possible criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden. The document in question is an FBI-generated FD-1023 form that allegedly describes the scheme, which reportedly involves Biden and a foreign national engaging in the exchange of money for policy decisions.
Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, initially issued the subpoena earlier this month, but the FBI cited the need to protect the confidentiality of its human source program as the reason for non-compliance. With another deadline set for May 30, Comer expected Wray to hand over the document. However, the FBI informed the committee that it would not be providing the document within the specified timeframe, leading Comer to declare the FBI’s decision as obstructionist and unacceptable.
In response, the FBI stated its commitment to cooperate with the committee, asserting that it would provide access to the document in a format that maintains confidentiality and protects important security interests. Director Wray had also scheduled a call with Comer to discuss the matter further. The FBI deemed any discussion of escalation as unnecessary, emphasizing its intention to accommodate the committee’s request.
The document being sought after came to light when a whistleblower approached Comer and Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa. The whistleblower alleged that the FBI and the Justice Department possessed the document, which purportedly provides precise details of the criminal scheme and its purpose.
Grassley echoed Comer’s frustration, stating that the FBI’s failure to comply with their oversight duty carries consequences. He expressed hope for a different response from Director Wray during their scheduled call but stressed that Congress must defend its oversight prerogatives if necessary.
BREAKING: The FBI has told House Oversight that it will NOT comply with a subpoena request for the unclassified documents it alleges directly link then-VP Biden to an international bribery scheme. The committee will now move to hold Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress. pic.twitter.com/Kfg9YZxUN7
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 30, 2023
Last week, Comer attempted to narrow the scope of the subpoena in response to criticisms from FBI staff. The committee refined additional terms based on legally protected whistleblower disclosures mentioned in the FD-1023 form. Despite these efforts, the FBI remains concerned about releasing confidential source information, citing potential risks to ongoing investigations and lives.
As the House Oversight Committee moves forward with its efforts to hold Director Wray in contempt, the standoff between Congress and the FBI continues to intensify. The American people deserve transparency and accountability from their chief law enforcement agency, and the committee is determined to ensure that congressional oversight authorities are protected.
