House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff (D-CA) on Wednesday threatened to subpoena the FBI for documents on the agency’s counterintelligence probe into Russia’s election meddling, according to the Hill.
After the committee had three former FBI officials testify on counterintelligence efforts against election interference in wake of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, a reportedly frustrated Schiff emerged from the hearing to tell reporters that he’s had enough of the agency’s secrecy over such efforts.
“We are determined to get answers and we are running out of patience,” the chairman said.
Politico reporter Kyle Cheney and CNN’s Josh Campbell confirmed Schiff’s comments:
SCHIFF says he’s “running out of patience” with the FBI refusing to discuss status of Russia counterintelligence probe. Says a subpoena could be issued soon.
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) June 12, 2019
House intel chairman @RepAdamSchiff says the Gang of Eight has still not been briefed on the “constellation of counterintelligence investigations” around Russia and the Trump campaign since former FBI director James Comey was fired, despite requests to the FBI.
— Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) June 12, 2019
I wonder if the thought has occurred to Schiff that his patience protects Trump.
Here’s the thing…
if you were running a counter-intelligence probe against Trump, would you provide the Republicans on the Gang of Eight with the details? I mean, Devin Nunes?
IMO, Schiff is walking a tightrope here – while he should have access to the information, how can he justify turning it over to Nunes. Let alone Moscow Mitch, or Richard Burr – who has already run to the White House with stuff he got from briefings in the past.
If this episode holds true to form the FBI will promise to give Schiff 10% of what he’s asking for and Dems will declare a cease fire.
This is long overdue.
It really makes one wonder what exactly the FBI is trying to hide?