Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has reached out to Attorney General Pam Bondi, seeking clarification on significant allegations against the FBI. This call for accountability coincides with a hearing where she is to be questioned about her time at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Allegations of FBI Surveillance on GOP Lawmakers
Central to Grassley’s inquiries are claims made in a recent report by the GOP-led Senate Judiciary Committee. This report asserts that nine Republican lawmakers were allegedly targeted by the FBI under the Biden administration. The committee claims to have obtained documentation revealing that the personal cell phones of GOP members were tracked.
- Senators allegedly targeted include:
- Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)
- Josh Hawley (Missouri)
- Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee)
- Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
- Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming)
- Bill Hagerty (Tennessee)
- Dan Sullivan (Alaska)
- Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
- Representative Mike Kelly (Pennsylvania)
This tracking allegedly formed part of the investigation led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith into former President Donald Trump’s actions concerning the 2020 election results. Grassley emphasized that the data collected did not include call content but recorded the call’s time, duration, and general location.
Grassley’s Critique of DOJ Practices
During the hearing, Grassley criticized the practices of the DOJ under the previous administration, labeling the alleged surveillance as an “unconstitutional breach.” He urged Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to address these serious claims. Grassley stated, “It’s time for accountability, and I look forward to hearing about your success in that regard.”
Additionally, he praised Bondi for implementing necessary reforms at the DOJ, describing the department as being in a “free fall” prior to her confirmation. He noted that under her leadership, the DOJ has shifted focus to core policing activities by cutting funds to what he referred to as politicized programs.
Response from Attorney General Bondi
In response to allegations made by Senator Hawley regarding targeted surveillance of political opponents, Bondi maintained that she could not divulge detailed information for valid reasons. She assured the committee that all aspects of the situation would be thoroughly investigated. “We will be looking at all aspects of this,” she stated, affirming her discussions with Director Patel on the matter.
The ongoing proceedings highlight significant concerns regarding the intersection of law enforcement practices and political accountability within the current administration.
