Republicans demand release of Biden’s donation document, threaten FBI | World news
In the latest twist to the ongoing conflict between Republicans and the FBI, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) has accused the office of withholding an unclassified document accusing President Joe Biden of a criminal bribery scheme affect.
Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has stated that if the document is not released, Republicans will begin contempt of Congress proceedings against FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The revelation came to light in a letter dated May 3, by Comer and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). They said they had received “highly classified information” referring to the existence of a document that “describes an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign country that relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions.”
While Wray has confirmed the existence of the document, he has refused to provide it to the committee, leading to increased conflict between House Republicans and the FBI.
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Senate Majority Leader Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and the White House have challenged the bill’s credibility, dismissing it as based on unsubstantiated allegations.
In a recent meeting with Wray, Comer said the FBI director acknowledged the credibility of the document, its origin from a trusted FBI source, and its current status as the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation. Comer emphasized the importance of the document, assuring that no amount of spin or denial from the White House or Democrats could change the facts.
Comer said, “Today, FBI officials confirmed that an unclassified FBI source record has not been verified and is currently being used in an ongoing investigation,” adding, “A confidential human source who provided information about the Vice President Biden then involved in the Criminal Bribery Scheme was a trusted, reliable informant, used by the FBI for over 10 years, and paid for over six”
“These are the facts, and no amount of spin and, frankly, lies from the White House or the Democrats can change this information,” Comer said.
Expressing frustration over the FBI’s refusal to release an unclassified record, Comer announced the Republicans’ intention to begin contempt of Congress proceedings against Wray.
Comer explained to the Epoch Times that the documents should be open to the public: “I think everyone should see it.”
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) supported this move, emphasizing that every member of the committee should have access to the document for oversight purposes. He said, “Everyone on that board has a responsibility of care….[Wray] needs to be provided to everyone in the committee. If not, we will move on. “
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The fight between Congress and the FBI comes against the backdrop of a series of Republican investigations into the Biden family and the administration.
Previous reports have raised questions about President Joe Biden’s involvement in his son Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine, suggesting that the former vice president may have profited from those arrangements.
If the alleged document is authentic and reliable, it could lead to further legal actions against President Biden, who has announced his intention to seek a second term. If the Oversight Committee continues the contempt charge, it will require a full House vote. If charges are confirmed, Attorney General Merrick Garland will be tasked with determining whether a crime has occurred.
The FBI, in response to questions, has called the motion to proceed with contempt proceedings against Wray “unconfirmed.”
“The FBI has consistently demonstrated its commitment to comply with the committee’s request, including by producing documents in the reading room at the US Capitol,” an FBI spokesman said.
