Just a few months ago, America learned that the DOJ was spying on congressional staff. The agency seized phone and email records, and it convinced a federal court to hide that information for years.
That includes the records of several members of Congress from both parties.
Republicans demanded answers from the Department of Justice. The agency did not reply to leaders’ satisfaction. So, one top lawmaker is issuing a strong demand on Attorney General Garland himself.
From Just the News:
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Tuesday issued a subpoena to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding that he provide information on the DOJ’s spying on congressional employees.“The Committee also has concerns that aspects of the Department’s investigation may have been a pretext to justify piercing the Legislative Branch’s deliberative process and improperly access data from Members and staff involved in conducting oversight of the Department,” Jordan concluded.
Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a subpoena against Attorney General Merrick Garland. He is demanding answers from the DOJ over seizing of personal records of congressional staffers, including members of Congress.
Jordan warned that the DOJ might have violated the separation of powers that the Constitution requires. Critics fear the DOJ, which is part of the executive branch, was using its power to undermine the legislative branch.
The Department of Justice was able to get records from numerous congressional staffers, including their phone and email records. This was going on while the agency was investigating accusations against Donald Trump and his 2016 campaign.
Many have blasted the DOJ over its investigation against the former president. It is possible it used this investigation as a pretense to monitor members of Congress. It is unclear whether Garland will comply with this subpoena.
House Republicans have been particularly harsh on agencies like the DOJ. They have accused them of weaponizing their power against political enemies. This latest development will only confirm their suspicions.
Key Takeaways:
- House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed Attorney General Merrick Garland.
- The Republican is demanding answers over how the DOJ seized personal records of members of Congress and their staff.
- Jordan is warning that the DOJ violated the separation of powers between branches of the government.
Source: Just the News
