On Thursday, Jill Tyson, the FBI’s assistant director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, responded to multiple letters from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and other Republicans in the House.
Leading Republicans asserted the FBI had become a “tool of the Biden administration,” is guilty of political bias, and is wrongfully penalizing bureau employees that hold conservative views.
According to Punchbowl News, Tyson categorically denied the allegations, writing:
“The FBI has strong procedures in place to promote accountability when an FBI employee strays from their obligations — including employee actions that create the appearance of political, social, or other bias.”
Tyson added: “The FBI takes all allegations of misconduct very seriously, and that includes taking seriously our responsibility to FBI employees who make protected disclosures under the whistleblower regulations.”
Regarding Jordan’s allegations that the FBI is penalizing employees with conservative views, Tyson wrote:
“It is important to emphasize that allegations against one or a very small number of employees do not reflect a widespread political bias or a lack of objectivity by the FBI’s 38,000 employees who perform their jobs objectively, rigorously, and with professionalism.”
Tyson added: “Nor do such allegations fairly call into question the FBI’s motivations and actions to fulfill its mission, which reflect the collective judgment and effort of our workforce.”
Most believe Tyson’s letter fails to address Jordan’s concerns. Jordan, the heir apparent to chair the powerful House Judiciary Committee when Republicans take control of the chamber on Jan. 3, has signaled he will call Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify before his committee.
Fox News reported it is likely the Judicial Committee will subpoena other leaders in the FBI to testify before Congress as well.
According to an October report in The Hill, 71% of Republicans do not have confidence the FBI operates with integrity.
It is likely that with Jordan at the helm of the Judicial Committee, the country will see new investigations into allegations the Biden administration’s “misuse of federal criminal and counterterrorism resources to target concerned parents at school board meetings.”
Jordan has said he received whistleblower information alleging the White House “colluded with the National School Boards Association to manufacture a pretext for the use of federal law enforcement authorities against parents.”
Jordan has also signaled possible expanded investigations into allegations of mismanagement of funds earmarked for Ukraine and reports of the bureau’s efforts to suppress incriminating evidence found on Hunter Biden’s laptop.
In a letter last month, Jordan warned Wray: “The FBI is not immune from transparency or above accountability for its actions. Committee Republicans intend to continue to examine the politicization and bias at the FBI, including into the 118th Congress if necessary.”
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