Facing the possibility of losing their majority – and their subpoena power – House Republicans have issued requests for several high-profile witnesses to testify about FBI and Justice Department actions surrounding the 2016 presidential election, Politico reported Tuesday.
Former FBI Director James Comey, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates are among those who have received letters from the Republican chairmen of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, according to Politico.
These requests come as the window narrows for the joint committees to issue a report on their findings ahead of the November elections. If Democrats retake control of the House, they would assume control of these powerful investigative bodies, as well as subpoena power in this joint probe.
Democrats on the committee are reportedly outraged about the interview requests. A spokesman for top Judiciary Committee Democrat Jerry Nadler told Politico that they were not consulted or informed about the letters to former top U.S. officials until they were sent out.
Congressional Democrats have argued for months that their Republican colleagues are covering for President Trump by trying to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.
Republicans have countered by claiming that the Russia investigation was initiated by officials seeking to undermine Trump’s campaign.
