Transcripts For CSPAN2 Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein Te

CSPAN2 Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein Testifies Before House Judiciary... December 15, 2017

An opening statement. They give for appearing for the first line in front of this committee will afford to your testimony and answers your questions. As chairman with primary oversight over the fbi and department of justice i have supported the department and the fbi and performing their valuable missions to keep our nation safe and to hold individuals accountable for criminal conduct. Yet i and many on the committee find ourselves in a difficult position to question the actions of prior in Current Department fbi leadership for the of a unique role of the department of justice you appointed special counsel director mueller so it is appropriate to its our questions related to the scope of the special kills the investigation. As well as the efficacy in light of various events calling into question the impartiality. For reports of the political predisposition and the bias of career agents on special counsel director comey is deeply troubling that expect us system of the identical justice the department of justice investigation must not be tainted imposing their own political prejudices were now beginning to better understand the magnitude of the insider buying iselin director comey. First to the fbi agent struck and were pages exchanging communications and showing extreme bias against President Trump. If not for the fact that they were employed as part of the dream Team Investigating the very person they were showing disdain. Calling up near the stage is generous. According to the documents produced classmate and referring to the president as an utter idiot and a los subhuman an awful while continually breezy and Hillary Clinton and the obama is this proves what we all suspected highranking fbi officials involved in the clinton and investigation were personally invested in the outcome of the election. This was only the initial disclosure containing hefty reduction and second the fbi council expressed his off of a former official to shun the of president failing to faithfully execute the law but however now we are in awe that somebody like him remains an Investigative Team that looks more and more partisan. Third we have learned a the prosecutors in addition to new the other actions serves as an attorney for the Clinton Foundation our department of justice attorneys we are to avoid the appearance of impropriety but a former clinton employee is out investigating President Trump this is the very definition of the appearance of impropriety. Fourth we have recently learned and other top Department Justice official has been reassigned because of his connections with the intimist dossier in the company with whom the document originated. We hope to hear your assessment of the of conflicts with individuals are held accountable and if you so have confidence that you need and supervise. Regarding that email scandal you along with attorney general sessions have to decline to appoint a second council. Handling of clinton email investigation so these are the important issues on which we will focus on today we want to understand your participation and departments involvement with both investigations than mr. Deputy attorney general rosenstein the department of justice reputation as an impartial arbiter of justice is called into question this politicalization should concern all americans while we continue to calling you to appoint a Second Special counsel we have opened our own joint investigation to review fbi and department of justice handling of the clinton email investigation. Thank you and attorney general sessions for the documents for a robust oversight of this matter i implore you to continue to work with us live these and other port matters be seeing our nation involving a Critical Program for National Security fisa section seven 02 passing by overwhelming bipartisan basis the usa liberty act that it maintains the program of protecting a cherished lit so liberties. Despite the lobbying efforts against doorbell usa liberty act was characterized as bad for the program and highly problematic unworkable that would dismantle fisa 702 however but the Committee Legislation struck a balance to promote National Security and Civil Liberties i hope to hear from you by the departed justice felt it necessary to reauthorize and fisa 702 to instill confidence that their privacy and Civil Liberties are respected by a government whose duty it is to protect them. The department of justice must acquire the rest of the American People there are thousands of department of justice employees and agents in the bureau of investigations better dedicated individuals to upholding the rule of law and protecting the American People. I hope we can come to a conclusion for those that have not met that standard now i yield to the gentleman from new york. [inaudible] let me endorse the comments of the chairman of fisa 702 that we reported on this committee from the democratic whip in of this committee the colleagues have passed beacon been hearing regarding the serious incredible allegations of Sexual Harassment leveled against President Trump as 19 women i ask that this is part of the record. And i am unequivocably endorsing we should convene this hearing and still at as soon as possible that this behavior is unacceptable at any level of government. Mr. Deputy attorney general rosenstein over year we have implored the committee to conduct real oversight of the department of justice. January 24th, 2017 insisting the committee whole hearing at the trump conflict of interest at home and abroad. Citing experts across the political spectrum that the administrations attempt to address ongoing conflict of interest was fully inadequate. And then to recuse himself from the Russian Investigation we have not had a single hearing on the question of conflict of interest on march 8 encouraging to call hearings unless there was an interference. And again no such hearings were held in fact, the Obama Administration hold hearings over fast imperious and with director comey three times and the resources until four weeks ago was silent in terms of oversight. Had not lifting a finger on security and attorney general sessions has done nothing to secure the next election from threats at home and abroad. While the hurricane was it houston President Trump sidelining the attorney to pardon a human rights abuser who bragged about writing a concentration camp in arizona. And with that obstruction of justice not because of lack of evidence but a special counsel plays examining the issue and several other committees are looking into the matter and it doesnt have the time to conduct critical oversight. Give those excuses in mind for now with the year coming to a close the leadership what do the colleagues want to discuss . Clintons emails. Let me repeat that. With these unresolved issues a week before readdress the calendar year is clintons emails and related Text Messages. And in failing that to investigate those investigators themselves. And then to investigate the fbi i understand the instinct to change the subject but this request is misguided for a number of reasons for the first to choose a fundamental misunderstanding of how regulations work because is a conflict of interest because of the attorney general ongoing recusal Department Leadership and in case is like these have a special counsel to manage the investigation outside of the ordinary chain of command but that criminal investigation they cannot simply assign a special counsel there has to be enough evidence predicate for criminal investigation in the first place then can they be assigned to the case and so far there is no critical credible anybody is saying that the department of justice violated any law by presiding not to bring charges to a Hillary Clinton and in other words, there is no investigation to which they can even designed a new special counsel. A list of grievances also seems off the mark for example, there is nothing unlawful about director comey sitting down to draft an early statement about the current investigation nor would that be unethical to outline those investigation of the clear weight points in that direction and the least once page was done in a 300 of orr Text Messages we received last night in fact, that expressly permits that type of private communication and i am left with two dots. First modestos anything that the majority of americans were not thinking at the same time so as a testament to Situational Awareness the office of the Inspector General made him aware of these exchanges he immediately removed him from the case to the extent of political bias this committee should examine the coordinated effort to the Sensitive Information about the new emails after the investigation and on monday the Ranking Member and i asked for additional materials related to the leaks as well as to the claims that these efforts may have been coordinated with mayor guiliani former National Security adviser flan and other senior officials. Also the president s investigation at best is wildly dangerous to the Democratic Institutions on the one hand it seems quaint after a couple of guilty pleas but the president s continued threats is something that we dont do here if the president were to carry out his threat it would be like a Banana Republic and finally this investigation cannot credibly be a priority at this time. I ender stand the instinct that they turn the tables on the special counsel is more frantic as the walls continue to close in but this committee has a job to do President Trump does engage in a death threat in effort on the free press and the department of justice there under our jurisdiction with the majority waste that is a net loss finding a solution or curbing a vicious fight or from those from purchasing firearms are stopping the president from further damaging that Constitutional Order i hope my colleagues have the hearing as an opportunity to find their way back to the House Judiciary Committee and i yield back the balance of my time. We welcome our distinguished witnesses will swear you in. Do you solemnly swear the testimony youre about to give is the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god . The witness answered in the affirmative Deputy Attorney general rosenstein sworn in as the 307th attorney general by richard a. General Jeff Sessions he has had a distinguished career in Public Service to began his legal career in the Public Integrity section in the Criminal Division and later served as counsel to the of Deputy Assistant general for the tax division until has applied in the President Trump Deputy Attorney general rosenstein were 12 years as the United States attorney for the district of maryland has a bachelors degree it economics from wharton and j. D. From harvard. Please summarize your testimony in five minutes were pleased to have real. Members of a the committee thank you for the opportunity with the department of justice i appreciate your support and concern several if you are alumni of the department and to review serve alongside me as United States attorneys and his Deputy Attorney general my job is to help the attorney general manage the components including those litigating divisions 94 erg u. S. Attorneys offices the bureau of fire arms alcohol and the office of Justice Programs federal bureau of prisons and the office of Inspector General and 115,000 employees tens of thousands of contractors stationed every state and territory in foreign nations. Illegal Drug Distribution child abuse and civilrights violations with threats to the American People. Enforced tax laws, antitrust law and environmental laws to represent the United States the Supreme Court, courts of appeals and territorial courts federal judges and federal prisons from all applications oversee the bankruptcy system to assist the tribal governments adjudicate those cases and we also support state and local lawenforcement. To resolve those foreign claims so we collect and analyze and disseminate information to perform countless other functions for the American People the department of justice employees are united by ash and understanding that to pursue justice preserve government property, defend civil rights and promote the rule of law. The mission attractive lawenforcement but the people who carry out that mission are what i treasured most about my job, very few exceptions, honorable and principled and trustworthy. America federal state local lawenforcement agencies are more important today than ever to scrutiny and external agencies increase accountability and more likely to discover it. Critical to building and maintaining confidence best spoken with thousands of employees to run the country and i remind them that justice is not only in our name but our mission. That requires a fair and impartial process that is why we have a special responsibility to follow ethical and professional standards. 1941 attorney general jackson said buses and safety lies in up prosecutor that seeks the truth of the victims and the approaches the task with humidity utility. Attorney general sessions an experienced team under President Trump said department of justice is working tirelessly to project american citizen is to uphold the rule of law. Today i afford to discussing important work with the example set with department of justice officials really seek to accommodate congressional oversight request of protecting the integrity of investigations preserving the independence to safeguard Sensitive Information. They give mr. Chairman alec forward to your question. I will start by recognizing myself last week director ray said the normal procedures were not followed an investigation of former secretary clinton email server and it was not normal protocol to have with this is it in the room during the interview of the target of investigations as director general determines that was not followed or it was closed for tainted for political purposes, would that be a justification to reopen the investigation . Mr. Chairman we are anticipating the outcome of that investigation this has been ongoing i am hopeful the will be included concluded the next couple months and when we get those results will take action i dont know what it will be that it is always appropriate force to review the findings of impropriety to take appropriate action. When you announced your decision to terminate the employment of fbi director comey the decision that you announced saab practices that i took it to mean that you thought were inappropriate actions on the part of the former director. Do you think those actions on his part would merit further investigation how that matter was conducted . As you are aware, of the Inspector General is conducting an investigation into the handling of that. And i believe part of that investigation it is not an official finding of misconduct that is the special counsels job but as you pointed out my views about it. Are you aware of prior efforts by the committee to unduly restrict the Intelligence Community to do is job to protect National Security . Im not personally aware, no sir. Are you where this has primary oversight due to fisa over the constitutional and legal questions of government surveillance . Mr. Chair, i respect the congresss decision of oversight. Given the you understand the jurisdiction the your providing with the tools that it needs, why would we attempt to dismantle section fisa 702 of foremost importance Surveillance Program . I hope we made a case in the department has its own opinion about the reauthorization we think it is critically important to respect their differences of opinion but that is section fisa 702. We agreed it is essential it is also essential that the Civil Liberties of american citizens be protected in the standard be imposed on the examination of u. S. Citizens incidentally as a part of the of program with the surveillance of non u. S. Citizens incidentally gathering information right u. S. In the since then being looked into by agents of the fbi without a warrant. I am not aware that is appropriate to were not talking about National Security or terrorist attacks were simply talking about crimes that have already occurred and investigated as they should be. Under the procedures to protect Current Department<\/a> fbi leadership for the of a unique role of the department of justice you appointed special counsel director mueller so it is appropriate to its our questions related to the scope of the special kills the investigation. As well as the efficacy in light of various events calling into question the impartiality. For reports of the political predisposition and the bias of career agents on special counsel director comey is deeply troubling that expect us system of the identical justice the department of justice investigation must not be tainted imposing their own political prejudices were now beginning to better understand the magnitude of the insider buying iselin director comey. First to the fbi agent struck and were pages exchanging communications and showing extreme bias against President Trump<\/a>. If not for the fact that they were employed as part of the dream Team Investigating<\/a> the very person they were showing disdain. Calling up near the stage is generous. According to the documents produced classmate and referring to the president as an utter idiot and a los subhuman an awful while continually breezy and Hillary Clinton<\/a> and the obama is this proves what we all suspected highranking fbi officials involved in the clinton and investigation were personally invested in the outcome of the election. This was only the initial disclosure containing hefty reduction and second the fbi council expressed his off of a former official to shun the of president failing to faithfully execute the law but however now we are in awe that somebody like him remains an Investigative Team<\/a> that looks more and more partisan. Third we have learned a the prosecutors in addition to new the other actions serves as an attorney for the Clinton Foundation<\/a> our department of justice attorneys we are to avoid the appearance of impropriety but a former clinton employee is out investigating President Trump<\/a> this is the very definition of the appearance of impropriety. Fourth we have recently learned and other top Department Justice<\/a> official has been reassigned because of his connections with the intimist dossier in the company with whom the document originated. We hope to hear your assessment of the of conflicts with individuals are held accountable and if you so have confidence that you need and supervise. Regarding that email scandal you along with attorney general sessions have to decline to appoint a second council. Handling of clinton email investigation so these are the important issues on which we will focus on today we want to understand your participation and departments involvement with both investigations than mr. Deputy attorney general rosenstein the department of justice reputation as an impartial arbiter of justice is called into question this politicalization should concern all americans while we continue to calling you to appoint a Second Special<\/a> counsel we have opened our own joint investigation to review fbi and department of justice handling of the clinton email investigation. Thank you and attorney general sessions for the documents for a robust oversight of this matter i implore you to continue to work with us live these and other port matters be seeing our nation involving a Critical Program<\/a> for National Security<\/a> fisa section seven 02 passing by overwhelming bipartisan basis the usa liberty act that it maintains the program of protecting a cherished lit so liberties. Despite the lobbying efforts against doorbell usa liberty act was characterized as bad for the program and highly problematic unworkable that would dismantle fisa 702 however but the Committee Legislation<\/a> struck a balance to promote National Security<\/a> and Civil Liberties<\/a> i hope to hear from you by the departed justice felt it necessary to reauthorize and fisa 702 to instill confidence that their privacy and Civil Liberties<\/a> are respected by a government whose duty it is to protect them. The department of justice must acquire the rest of the American People<\/a> there are thousands of department of justice employees and agents in the bureau of investigations better dedicated individuals to upholding the rule of law and protecting the American People<\/a>. I hope we can come to a conclusion for those that have not met that standard now i yield to the gentleman from new york. [inaudible] let me endorse the comments of the chairman of fisa 702 that we reported on this committee from the democratic whip in of this committee the colleagues have passed beacon been hearing regarding the serious incredible allegations of Sexual Harassment<\/a> leveled against President Trump<\/a> as 19 women i ask that this is part of the record. And i am unequivocably endorsing we should convene this hearing and still at as soon as possible that this behavior is unacceptable at any level of government. Mr. Deputy attorney general rosenstein over year we have implored the committee to conduct real oversight of the department of justice. January 24th, 2017 insisting the committee whole hearing at the trump conflict of interest at home and abroad. Citing experts across the political spectrum that the administrations attempt to address ongoing conflict of interest was fully inadequate. And then to recuse himself from the Russian Investigation<\/a> we have not had a single hearing on the question of conflict of interest on march 8 encouraging to call hearings unless there was an interference. And again no such hearings were held in fact, the Obama Administration<\/a> hold hearings over fast imperious and with director comey three times and the resources until four weeks ago was silent in terms of oversight. Had not lifting a finger on security and attorney general sessions has done nothing to secure the next election from threats at home and abroad. While the hurricane was it houston President Trump<\/a> sidelining the attorney to pardon a human rights abuser who bragged about writing a concentration camp in arizona. And with that obstruction of justice not because of lack of evidence but a special counsel plays examining the issue and several other committees are looking into the matter and it doesnt have the time to conduct critical oversight. Give those excuses in mind for now with the year coming to a close the leadership what do the colleagues want to discuss . Clintons emails. Let me repeat that. With these unresolved issues a week before readdress the calendar year is clintons emails and related Text Messages<\/a>. And in failing that to investigate those investigators themselves. And then to investigate the fbi i understand the instinct to change the subject but this request is misguided for a number of reasons for the first to choose a fundamental misunderstanding of how regulations work because is a conflict of interest because of the attorney general ongoing recusal Department Leadership<\/a> and in case is like these have a special counsel to manage the investigation outside of the ordinary chain of command but that criminal investigation they cannot simply assign a special counsel there has to be enough evidence predicate for criminal investigation in the first place then can they be assigned to the case and so far there is no critical credible anybody is saying that the department of justice violated any law by presiding not to bring charges to a Hillary Clinton<\/a> and in other words, there is no investigation to which they can even designed a new special counsel. A list of grievances also seems off the mark for example, there is nothing unlawful about director comey sitting down to draft an early statement about the current investigation nor would that be unethical to outline those investigation of the clear weight points in that direction and the least once page was done in a 300 of orr Text Messages<\/a> we received last night in fact, that expressly permits that type of private communication and i am left with two dots. First modestos anything that the majority of americans were not thinking at the same time so as a testament to Situational Awareness<\/a> the office of the Inspector General<\/a> made him aware of these exchanges he immediately removed him from the case to the extent of political bias this committee should examine the coordinated effort to the Sensitive Information<\/a> about the new emails after the investigation and on monday the Ranking Member<\/a> and i asked for additional materials related to the leaks as well as to the claims that these efforts may have been coordinated with mayor guiliani former National Security<\/a> adviser flan and other senior officials. Also the president s investigation at best is wildly dangerous to the Democratic Institutions<\/a> on the one hand it seems quaint after a couple of guilty pleas but the president s continued threats is something that we dont do here if the president were to carry out his threat it would be like a Banana Republic<\/a> and finally this investigation cannot credibly be a priority at this time. I ender stand the instinct that they turn the tables on the special counsel is more frantic as the walls continue to close in but this committee has a job to do President Trump<\/a> does engage in a death threat in effort on the free press and the department of justice there under our jurisdiction with the majority waste that is a net loss finding a solution or curbing a vicious fight or from those from purchasing firearms are stopping the president from further damaging that Constitutional Order<\/a> i hope my colleagues have the hearing as an opportunity to find their way back to the House Judiciary Committee<\/a> and i yield back the balance of my time. We welcome our distinguished witnesses will swear you in. Do you solemnly swear the testimony youre about to give is the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god . The witness answered in the affirmative Deputy Attorney<\/a> general rosenstein sworn in as the 307th attorney general by richard a. General Jeff Sessions<\/a> he has had a distinguished career in Public Service<\/a> to began his legal career in the Public Integrity<\/a> section in the Criminal Division<\/a> and later served as counsel to the of Deputy Assistant<\/a> general for the tax division until has applied in the President Trump<\/a> Deputy Attorney<\/a> general rosenstein were 12 years as the United States<\/a> attorney for the district of maryland has a bachelors degree it economics from wharton and j. D. From harvard. Please summarize your testimony in five minutes were pleased to have real. Members of a the committee thank you for the opportunity with the department of justice i appreciate your support and concern several if you are alumni of the department and to review serve alongside me as United States<\/a> attorneys and his Deputy Attorney<\/a> general my job is to help the attorney general manage the components including those litigating divisions 94 erg u. S. Attorneys offices the bureau of fire arms alcohol and the office of Justice Programs<\/a> federal bureau of prisons and the office of Inspector General<\/a> and 115,000 employees tens of thousands of contractors stationed every state and territory in foreign nations. Illegal Drug Distribution<\/a> child abuse and civilrights violations with threats to the American People<\/a>. Enforced tax laws, antitrust law and environmental laws to represent the United States<\/a> the Supreme Court<\/a>, courts of appeals and territorial courts federal judges and federal prisons from all applications oversee the bankruptcy system to assist the tribal governments adjudicate those cases and we also support state and local lawenforcement. To resolve those foreign claims so we collect and analyze and disseminate information to perform countless other functions for the American People<\/a> the department of justice employees are united by ash and understanding that to pursue justice preserve government property, defend civil rights and promote the rule of law. The mission attractive lawenforcement but the people who carry out that mission are what i treasured most about my job, very few exceptions, honorable and principled and trustworthy. America federal state local lawenforcement agencies are more important today than ever to scrutiny and external agencies increase accountability and more likely to discover it. Critical to building and maintaining confidence best spoken with thousands of employees to run the country and i remind them that justice is not only in our name but our mission. That requires a fair and impartial process that is why we have a special responsibility to follow ethical and professional standards. 1941 attorney general jackson said buses and safety lies in up prosecutor that seeks the truth of the victims and the approaches the task with humidity utility. Attorney general sessions an experienced team under President Trump<\/a> said department of justice is working tirelessly to project american citizen is to uphold the rule of law. Today i afford to discussing important work with the example set with department of justice officials really seek to accommodate congressional oversight request of protecting the integrity of investigations preserving the independence to safeguard Sensitive Information<\/a>. They give mr. Chairman alec forward to your question. I will start by recognizing myself last week director ray said the normal procedures were not followed an investigation of former secretary clinton email server and it was not normal protocol to have with this is it in the room during the interview of the target of investigations as director general determines that was not followed or it was closed for tainted for political purposes, would that be a justification to reopen the investigation . Mr. Chairman we are anticipating the outcome of that investigation this has been ongoing i am hopeful the will be included concluded the next couple months and when we get those results will take action i dont know what it will be that it is always appropriate force to review the findings of impropriety to take appropriate action. When you announced your decision to terminate the employment of fbi director comey the decision that you announced saab practices that i took it to mean that you thought were inappropriate actions on the part of the former director. Do you think those actions on his part would merit further investigation how that matter was conducted . As you are aware, of the Inspector General<\/a> is conducting an investigation into the handling of that. And i believe part of that investigation it is not an official finding of misconduct that is the special counsels job but as you pointed out my views about it. Are you aware of prior efforts by the committee to unduly restrict the Intelligence Community<\/a> to do is job to protect National Security<\/a> . Im not personally aware, no sir. Are you where this has primary oversight due to fisa over the constitutional and legal questions of government surveillance . Mr. Chair, i respect the congresss decision of oversight. Given the you understand the jurisdiction the your providing with the tools that it needs, why would we attempt to dismantle section fisa 702 of foremost importance Surveillance Program<\/a> . I hope we made a case in the department has its own opinion about the reauthorization we think it is critically important to respect their differences of opinion but that is section fisa 702. We agreed it is essential it is also essential that the Civil Liberties<\/a> of american citizens be protected in the standard be imposed on the examination of u. S. Citizens incidentally as a part of the of program with the surveillance of non u. S. Citizens incidentally gathering information right u. S. In the since then being looked into by agents of the fbi without a warrant. I am not aware that is appropriate to were not talking about National Security<\/a> or terrorist attacks were simply talking about crimes that have already occurred and investigated as they should be. Under the procedures to protect Civil Liberties<\/a> and other circumstances. With the last eight months i have oversee the National Security<\/a> operations. So if you would like i can give you a detailed to give details but the bottom line is truly is critical the fbi has the ability to clear the data. Darr legislation allows them to do that but if it hits provides ahead to see documentation in the full form they are required to get a warrant. But with the director ray and what happens with the fbi conducts the query. Normally the leads based of suspicion that it is the. 2 and two together to connect the dots. Anything their right to pursue we have protections without the appropriate standard and to protect people from the unreasonable search. Will lead is a query as a constitutional matter. Is that something egypt wants to look at . I know how you distinguish the further reading from a search. I can with a couple of minutes. The appropriate way to explain this publicly. Hypothetically, local Police Department<\/a> receives a call someone has purchased there is nothing illegal but is something that caused concern. Let me interrupt you because very specific instance you are sightseeing was cited to us and our discussion with the fbi in a specific protection was added to legislation. The example that i am providing is that would be appropriate to follow up were trying to avoid that would prevent the fbi from getting access that could allow them to connect to the lead from what would take National Security<\/a>. My time has expired. On monday the Ranking Member<\/a> and i wrote you a letter about the Ongoing Investigation<\/a> and then i said that with that her be present for the record. But for the first part is the departments failure to provide the minority. And will he commit would you provide that in the future . Yes for the maya understanding is it may have been provided. Thank you. I have a lot of questions read the majority the white house and president attorneys to have a new special counsel to investigate Hillary Clinton<\/a> matter so we could benefit how the regulations work so is space the acting attorney general would appoint a special counsel with one criminal investigation or repeat it and then when the person for ration is warranted is that optional . No. So a criminal investigation must be determined to be warranted before you can assign a special counsel . Yes. At the department of justice a criminal investigation requires the preliminary review of the in its . Storage has that been made in . I am not aware of the city and then we would conduct inappropriate review. And the answer would be the same . It would be. Presuming for a moment the department has the initial assessment no criminal investigation in so no ongoing criminal investigation under this position would you or attorney general sessions appointed special counsel . No. To my knowledge there has been no credible factual or legal play anybody has violated any law by deciding not to bring charges or by attempting otherwise there is insufficient evidence of a crime that tuesday permit you to prevent a in the Inspector General<\/a> of the importance of these messages on july 27, 2017. Special counsel mueller said day the longer were continuing and remove from the team the same day did he take appropriate action . Yes. In testimony is said he on visually fire special counsel mueller for good cause that you have not seen any of. Several months have passed halfies seen good cause to fire special counsel mueller . No. If your order today to fire him . Or follow the regulation for because and act as if there were no good cause i would not. You have seen in so far. Director. The office of Legal Counsel<\/a> issued an opinion saying the Ranking Member<\/a>s not have the authority contained to conduct oversight proposed reporting that the white House Counsel<\/a> and federal agencies restricted to cooperate with democrats in since then they have written more than 40 letters to the administration but any meaningful responses thus far so cater terrify your current position . Are you concerned but we make every effort to respond to any legitimate inquiry as members of congress we prioritize increase on behalf of the committee that we make an effort to respond to any inquiry. We get a lot of letters like apologize. From the letters from the minority . We are to respond in a reasonable manner actually when our journey general took office . I will take a look at it. But whether you encourage the office of Legal Counsel<\/a> to withdraw . I will agree to look at it. Finally and one to say with what the chairman was saying about section 702 the bill this committee reported specifically said basically a counterintelligence for terrorism investigation eudora need to put where you are holding a with domestic crimes and put that is the danger you were referring to with the comments to that effect and you should take a look at that and i urge you to take a look at that. I yield back. Recognizing the gentleman from texas. Deputy attorney general rosenstein i am concerned the special counsel is casting too wide of the net to catch all the fish not just the soviet sharks. End of the special counsel were to obtain information not directly mutated but then could they expand the investigation . Yes. Has he ever asked . Vitter appreciate that question if i can explain briefly there are a lot of media us stories speculating for the fidelity is doing. Im appropriately exercising riverside abilities and i can assure you that he is conducting himself consistent with our vendors the ending of the scope of the investigation. That wasnt my question but has he consulted with you about a desire to expand the investigation beyond the of original scope . Lead is much more detail than that he consults with me. But the scope of the original jurisdiction and is publicly set forth so i discussed that with special counsel mueller when he started an ongoing discussion within the scope of investigation and if there was any ambiguity he has received my permission. He has asked to expand the scope . Data to give him permission . And in most cases. Clarification to be caught up on the meaning of those words but people have a right to know of the original jurisdiction was expanded. Do you agree with that . The difficulty is that i have a responsibility not to talk about what is investigating why the original order was not identified for what we know was under investigation. Im asking you to go into specifics such as whether or not if you could clarify your jurisdiction i assume that involves the expansion as you suggested . I need to check with those particular issues or clarification or expansion but i am responsible for. Please get back to me and they are authorized to receive their personal finances of the trump family and members we just dont talk about what is under investigation and hope you dont draw any inference but we simply will not discuss it. Does that come under the original jurisdiction of direct involvement . I appreciate your concern and hope you appreciate my position if the answer what is or what is said died go down the road i dont want to go down to discuss what this investigation ordinarily the department of justice that is so we publicize if we charge them so those that are direct interference with the Russian Election<\/a> . To echos crimes are publicly known. So you do feel the special counsel can go what about the special counsel to investigate the passions us half and related . Director comey if i determine it is appropriate. That is your determination on special counsel . I know what he is doing if i thought it was inappropriate i would take action. Levy said rise to say the American People<\/a> deserve to know who is being investigated and why. But the special counsel has hired at least eight attorneys to go to the obama or Clinton Campaign<\/a>s for crow does that create the appearance of impropriety . Im not saying if they can do their jobs but it does create the appearance. Time has expired and then to be subject to of of this site but the special counsel employee speculate bin is the appearance of impropriety spirit that is in the eye of the beholder but we have rules and regulations with carrier ethics advisers to provide us council. Thank you spent the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. So you are a career attorney you have spent your whole life and the new grass to fill the current function . I am a whole local appointee. Before that it was career journey. So to take a look at the individuals who are working but then to permit the request of detail of those they believe we will be helpful and also to hire attorneys tyrannicide the department in both approaches. What did they be subject to the principles of the merit system principles with the Civil Service<\/a> reform act . To make yes. I believe so. We have been on the committee along time in their remember back in 2008 there were allegations of the department of justice had used and the office of Inspector General<\/a> and professional responsibility issued a report outlining the impropriety to have a politics and said if war and its policy includes the and when of justice to eliminate discrimination based on race color religion sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, political affiliation in then to govern the actions of the individuals you had the political affiliation . One of the advantages being around the department for a while to see the mistakes they made in the past that is precisely one of the issues i discussed with the appointees that we will not do that or consider political affiliation in regard to career employees. Thank you very much. I want to ask about a couple but to have a physician and surgeon Voting Rights<\/a> issues. One has to do with the pershing of rules in ohio. The department previously argued against purging bills because the National Voter<\/a> registration act prohibits purging voters because they have not voted in a given period of time for pro top now they are arguing they can approach individuals even without evidence they have moved a and additional the department had argued that the state of texas identification law had discriminated against individuals and the department has changed its position on that. The law as currently drafted and then to be able to but wrote. Can you give us insight why the department changed its position. As a general matter to understand that determination what the law means is made by a judge. So what position do you take but i can assure you that is the good faith and analysis with these provisions and you are responsible to make our determination the year Prior Administration<\/a> made theirs but and but me ask a question. It is minder standing that mr. Director comey and investigate the matter is that a rise directly from the investigation which includes one caveat modestos and cover while investigating. For example, if he is looking at the Russian Investigation<\/a> to find out the person he is looking at committed a big robbery he cannot ignore that is that a Fair Assessment<\/a> of his responsibilities director time is expired for the audience to the question. Is important to recognize it is a special counsel my independent counsel that is worked out if he came across evidence and to refer that he would not allow that to louis live through the . Mr. Deputy attorney general rosenstein to be removed for impropriety by those other people mentioned by the chairman not removed for impropriety as well i will ask that i assume the team that you put together you felt would be fair and unbiased . So let me read you some facts of the that nine out of 16 have made political contributions so to be fair alphabetical order. 1,000 democrats to hold the 7c previously held by barack obama. Twentysix dollars democratic senator jim iran who led the charge of the credit senators demanding President Trump<\/a> resign and also giving the zero campaign donating to the Clinton Campaign<\/a> last year but o to the Trump Campaign<\/a>. Third a contributor to both obama and Clinton Campaign<\/a>s but zero to the Trump Campaign<\/a>. Now 333 3,300. 0 to the Trump Campaign<\/a> by both the others. Then clerking for a liberal Supreme Court<\/a> justice but to contributcontribut e to the democratic president ial campaign since the caucus and hillary and obama and al gore also to senator alan but also 20,000 to the Democratic House<\/a> and Senate Candidates<\/a> but o touche trump. Actually representing the Clinton Foundation<\/a> with several lawsuits donating 16,000 to democrats including 5400 to the hillary plan pain busy road to the Trump Campaign<\/a> also fundraising of its organized and then of course, they have and then with the dnc 2300 to the Obama Campaign<\/a> 2300 to the Clinton Campaign<\/a> bin 02 donald trump also who praised gates were defying trump on the campaign trail so how with a straight face can you say this group of democrats are partisan and unbiased to get President Trump<\/a> a fair shake . I think it is important to recognize when we talk about political affiliation the issue of bias is Something Different<\/a> and we have a lot of experience the we have employees with that they influence our actions for gore believe special counsel mueller understand the running that but to insure that it is not in any way how they conduct themselves. When is a running appropriate type thing putting the committee were investigators to gather to begin this investigation in the first place is part of the investigation and how toadies people i dont know how anybody can reach that conclusion so when this all surfaced and you pick to the leader of the investigation it seemed like a serious matter and Serious Investigation<\/a> but to think that special counsel mueller would put together the unbiased team that as the stripes that umpires would redware but overwhelmingly ought to have democratic donkeys on their jerseys are i love hillary tshirts certainly not lets make america a great again and that is a shame because they think the American People<\/a> deserve a lot better than the biased team that they are getting under special counsel mueller and that is sad. I yield back. Then a gentlelady from texas. The key for your service to the nation allow me a moment as but some of the friends of the evidence side with so much skepticism and mistrust but the me reviewed the fbi in doj put together Timothy Mcveigh<\/a> killing 16 americans and those with civil rights workers the unabomber, and organized crime families pan am one 03 bombing yet diplomats during world war ii and those for its bid nightstand world trade center. Lindberg kid having. And also in birmingham and on the other hand, among other russians are known as the shooting down so to kill a journalist and prop up a side to build a berlin wall and then imposing the iron curtain to conspire among the president ial election in 2016. So perhaps our friends on either side of the aisle can show respect as we do including myself so let me ask questions are you in the business to help secure the election to make sure there is that in restructure at doj but the day before director comey was fired what did you discuss . Previously i said i would not discuss anything related to that until after the investigation. Thank you Deputy Attorney<\/a> general rosenstein so i will go forward with the question of the protection of the special prosecutor. Do have in place a protection and schemers system to have a saturday night massacre to be thwarted . Kidneys and evidence of president who is putting all the right wing media to taint the investigation we protect special counsel mueller if he deserves protectionist and nothing to violate his duties and responsibilities . Yes or no. I will not take action unless he has violated his duties. Let me show you these individuals the trump accusers one day in court or want to be heard as the chief executive of the United States<\/a> as an officer of the United States<\/a>. What intentions do you have to allow of these women to have Sexual Misconduct<\/a> to have never been heard and a in terms of a public setting as the women have vast what is the department of justice depend on doing . In the United States<\/a> of america . If they follow a loss of a lawsuit their free to do so. You now believe it is important to be heard . The fbi investigates i just gave a litany of the great successes. Can i refer these women to the department of justice is there the intake officer or fbi officer . If somebody wants to file a complaint, yes they can report that to the fbi anybody can do that anytime. Of the publicly say you have one option at this time to go to the department of justice as the Deputy Attorney<\/a> general rosenstein to file a complaint and i encourage them to do that. And with the whole program of president obama with day sentencing policy that was by eric holder. And as it relates to the issues dealing with over prosecution that was considered fair and just that do not allow the request to go forward. So to raise the number of issues i dont know if i can respond to all but anybody is free to report is sent to a complaint the way Police Department<\/a>s can report allegations and the department will conduct a in an an appropriate review only as of proper provocation. Recognizing the gentleman from california. Is somebody comes in to make that complaint or file that information to have identification check for who they are . Most fbi officers. But you dont consider that draconian that the drivers license was looked at . Garett if we conduct the investigation we need to know who the witnesses are. So in the case the appearance of impropriety that people all are observing but you said there may not be the reason but based on the numerous text commenting adversely on the president . He cannot in fact doesnt have the authority to look as their conduct because the office has that authority. We have a situation you can look at some of the misconduct but not others. Some would be a question of bias or the appearance in the investigations in how they are conducting or the decisions that is uniquely excluded to the Inspector General<\/a> in your cabinet position versus all other cabinet positions. I am not certain about that but if i made i will check and get back to you. It would either be the ocr or the Inspector General<\/a>, and with regards to conflicregard to con, certain ones are with regards to the Inspector General<\/a>. These political views that were mentioned are people who have a strong preference is notwithstanding, nobody up here is going to claim to be without their political bias. One of the reasons when theres a conflict of interest people refused themselves and when there is an appearance of impropriety they are excused and one of the reasons we look to a special prosecutor and you appointed a special prosecutor is to not only get past the politics on the dais but to get past the appearance of any conflict by the department of justice is that fair to say . The special prosecutor in the remaining statute an in how its done is still a group looking for wrongdoing. That is fair to say like any prosecutor. They are looking for the truth and make a determination on whether it is appropriate to prosecute it. We are looking to hang the president around or people around him and there isnt a problem with having people that are dead set on trying to find anything that would incriminate the administration in a russian connection, which is a somewhat their charge. I will foster to you maybe it isnt that bad to have people who would like to hang him. Having said that, when there is impropriety and a history of the fbi. When there is the impropriety that the department of justice and the department is limiting the statute book because he doesnt have full access in certain portions are out of it, what didnt you say that this is a classic example where to investigate the fbi and the department of justice a prosecutor that is equally looking for the truth if it exists adversely into the conduct of the fbi and the department of justice is within the charge and responsibility to see if it happens to. If we believe that there was a basis for the investigation or special counsel, i can assure you we would act. I would say since weve already had dismissals and theres ongoing internal investigations to see what was done wrong already exists. If. Its accepting the difficult position of the circumstances that you have. As President Trump<\/a> ever communicated with you about removing Robert Mueller<\/a> and the role a of the special counsel . I can tell you nobody has communicated the desire to remove Robert Mueller<\/a>. Its appropriate for me to talk with the president on Law Enforcement<\/a> issues and i dont believe it is an appropriate issue for discussion. Over his characteristics, his history into the reasons for you to have chosen him for this important position . It would be difficult for anybody to find anybody Better Qualified<\/a> for the job. Throughout his lifetime hes been a dedicated introspective and heroic Public Servant<\/a> after college he volunteered to serve as a marine in vietnam. As the head of the Criminal Division<\/a> when president clinton was elected in 92 they briefly went into the private practice and then went back and had an entrylevel position as a prosecutor to help the Violent Crime<\/a> problem in the District Of Columbia<\/a> in area 1990 and was confirmed unanimously and then his term was extended for another two years, so i believe based upon his reputation and service and patriotism and a department of fbi he was in charge of the task. I agree with you he was a smart lawyer dedicated Public Servant<\/a> and the fbi i think everybody on the other side of the aisle agreed agreed with the department of the fbi director which was unanimous and the reimplanted which was unanimous by the republican and democrat obama. Everybody respects batman in the country. Obviously we knew that would be an exception, but the fact is they didnt start to dislike him until he started to get issues that affected the president is currently serves the country and because of that, they said the fbi was in tatters. They questioned you and the Justice Department<\/a> and some as loyal, dedicated, fearless people in the country who serve the role of small. When you think about the fbi that works under review being suggested it is in tatters and that there is something wrong with the fbi and its somehow like the kgb. In general through my experience working with agents over the decades i found them to be an Exceptional Group<\/a> of Public Servant<\/a>s, faithful, loyal, dedicated into some of the finest people i know are agents of the federal bureau investigation. I thought about them when i watched the Army Navy Game<\/a> and i had the honor as it reveals up here has been recommending some folks to be at west point. Those were the cream of the crop and the people at the fbi are Law Enforcement<\/a>, they are the cream of the crop in the Justice Department<\/a> attorneys or commit too no matter where you went to law school and what you did. I complement you on that and know that he will continue to hold department of justice up as a pantheon of outstanding lawyers and seek justice where it should go as the truth demands and justice dictates. First of all come in the interview with Hillary Clinton<\/a> that took place july 22016, how many people were in the room and how many people had the opportunity to question her . I recall the testimony yesterday by the attorney general that testified in one of the two of them that there were three or 4 in that room would that be consistent with practice that you would anticipate . Would there be records kept of that interview . Yes if there are fbi agents present they will take note and produce summarizing the interview. Its just not in the practice to do it. It needs to become the practice. So many of the local Law Enforcement<\/a> if you are the county deputy. Now you are sitting here with a mystery i dont know what on in that interview you did as many questions asked about that before and after and they will trickle through history until we get to the bottom. You cant tell me who was in the room, do you have any knowledge that peter would have been one of those people . Its been reported in the news that he was one of those people. I may have seen that in the news but i personally dont know. There was a draft statement a couple months before. They swapped out the reference to the gross negligent to extremely carelessness. I dont know if that is true, do you have any knowledge about that . There are reports in the news however. Correct. And then we get the news leader on that sometime midsummer they had been removed from the Investigative Team<\/a> that we find out that took place publicly. I kind of understand that if that had ejected into the jet stream perhaps we wouldnt be in the middle of this controversy. I havent touched these all by any means but if he has his hands on this money what about the poisonous tree is this the reverse and im looking at what was reported this morning i just took a picture of the televisi television from august 6, 2016 they are talking about President Trump<\/a> and maybe shes speaking to peter and maybe you are meant to say where you are to protect the country from the menace and his response is its absolutely true that we are fortunate and of course i will try to approach it that way i just dont know i can protect the country at many levels but not sure that helps does that sound like a declaration he would use his job to leverage his work against the president of the United States<\/a>. It includes interviews with numerous witnesses that i anticipate in the near future well have a report of the Inspector General<\/a>s conclusions. Any opinion that might have been erased by peter struck . As a legal matter i can tell you that if the evidence is tainted that would raise a concern based upon the witnesses and documents. That would concern us if there were any evidence in the case. The gentleman from georgia mr. Johnson for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chairman for your service to the country based on the language and the special counsel order appointing a special counsel, does the special counsel have the authority to investigate any individual who may have obstructed the investigation that it be confirmed march 20 of this year which was the russian interference in the 2016 elections . They do have the authority related to his jurisdiction. Doeit does this authority to investigate possible obstruction include investigating President Trump<\/a> . I hope you wont take inference one way or another. Thats something we do not do. Im not asking whether or not the president is under investigation im just asking whether the order appointing the special council authorize counse special counsel to investigate the president. It is to investigate anybody and that includes the president. It would include anybody suspected of obstruction of justice. Do you think it is appropriate for the president to comment publicly on any pending investigations . The decision about whether people in political decisions comment on the investigation isnt mine my responsibility is to ensure they are not impacted improperly by any opinion whether it be a member of congress or anybody else. I believe over the years there have been president s have made comments about investigations and its not my responsibility to make that decision. To call for the investigation calling for the specific individuals. Im not going to comment on that. Its my responsibility to make sure those decisions are made based upon the facts and the law. Has the president contacted you to urge action and any pending investigation . I havent received any improper orders and im not going to be talking about particular communications with the white house. What would be your legal basis for refusing to answer the question on whether or not the president has contacted you to urge any action in any pending investigation what would be the basis for refusing to answer that question . This is not a partisan issue. They encouraged the Park Department<\/a> to do an investigation and so the question for me is are we or are we not making an investigation. I respect your question but my question is has the president ever contacted you to urge action on ending the investigation . I have nothing further to say. Say you are going to refuse to answer a question from a member of congress seeking to do oversight. I told you i havent received any improper orders and im not going to talk about them and after the Administration Senior<\/a> Law Enforcement<\/a> have to be able to communicate with the president and his officials about appropriate matters and responsibilities so you shouldnt draw any inference. Its simply not appropriate for me to talk about communications i may have with the administration. I would tell you if something happened that was wrong if somebody did something that was improper but that doesnt happen. It would be improper for the president to ever contact you about initiating an investigation of somewhat would it not . We discussed this president s have commented publicly. It would be improper for the president to contact you about initiating an investigation of someone. To order me to conduct an improper for the president to order me to conduct investigation. It would be improper for the president to ask you to initiate an investigation, wouldnt not . If for improper reasons. Is it your testimony today that the president has not asked you to investigate someone specifically . I understand what youre getting that, but as i said i was in the last administration niyou are being very artful no, im not. So, you are not going to answer it im not evading. Are you afraid of President Trump<\/a> firing you. With that i will yield back. The gentleman from texas for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman did you ever tell special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a> in essence everything you do must be just and fair and appear beyond approach . In essence, yes. Since it general sessions recused himself you are effectively the boss of the special counsel and staff; crap correct and i guess some effectively the bosssam. We all know fbi director james comey was fired or quit know your public statements. Heres detail or question. Who first proposed the idea of firing james comey as fbi director. I will comment on that. The president has explained he made the decision and im not going to comment beyond that. At the time he wrote the letter suggesting the firing, did you believe what you put in the letter . Yes, i did. If an fbi employee goes into a meeting as part of his job, someone in the governmentsp, ad he comes out and he makes a memo memorializing the meeting, perhaps in the future pass memory refreshed, is that memo doj property . Generally, congressman, i would think it would be depending on whats in the memo, but generally the answer is yes. Fbi employment agreement statement says and this is a person agreeing to work for the fbi that all information acquired by me in my official duties and official material which ive access remain the property of the us and i will not reveal information, material from or related to fbi files or other information acquired by virtue of my employment. If you make a memo of things discussed as part of your job, then it would be a violation ofb that agreements to send that to someone to lead to the press. Is in that correct . Its wellmade be. The question im about to ask , not asking what you may have told attorney general jeff session and i dont want to know any words used norse or fruit sources reference. Im asking a question that couldnt have any other answerio other than one of two words which is yes or no. You are free to hold the answer with one of those two wordser ad neither word is privileged, confidential or classified. As attorney general Jeff Sessions<\/a> deputy did you give Jeff Sessions<\/a> any advice regarding whether or not he should recuse himself in the matter of the Russian Investigation<\/a>, yes or no . No, can i give up some explanation cracks i was not there. I was confirmed i believe april 25, took office april 26. I was not there atti the time of the recusal. You ever talk to bruce . Yes. 24 doors down from yours . Ive not counted, but he was down the hall. Of course, he has been demoted over the relationship with fusion gps and then we found out his wife, nelly, was a russian expert and paid by fusion gps in the summer of the fall 2016 helping the Clinton Campaign<\/a> get a dossier from the russians. How well do you know the people that work on your home . Well, it varies, congressman. It varies. Semi noel and semi dont know well. Everyone has opinions political or otherwise. Becky is not having those affect oh or bias you and the department of justice. Correct. Here are some text talking hes an idiot like the trump and Martin Omalley<\/a> said well, im not watching. I cant tell you how little i care right now talking about the republican convention. So much more sensitive than the representative debate and goes on out some point Republican Party<\/a> needs to pull their head out of their blank back. Shows so no sign of occurring anytime soon. Of course, we were told for ability, but these have been made in fidelity and then makes slurs against k6. Its unbelievable and i hate these people. No support for the women who actually have to spend the rest of her life rearing this child and we care about quote life. A holes. How the f can he be a republican and on and on it goes. America will get with the voting public deserves and thats what im afraid of. Did you hear him make a comment anyway, its not just political opinions. This is disgusting unaccountable bias and theres no way that could not affect a persons work. Were you aware of just how bias mr. Struck was quebec no, i was not. Thank you. Final thing, i will ask your question and the answer is not classified nor privilege neededw based on information to the best of your knowledge is the fbi ever use work product or report a part of which was paid for by political campaign, Political Party<\/a>, political candidate or prepared on a candidates behalf . Congressman, the issue the time the gentleman has expired. He witness may answer we are working with at least committee that has access to that information and i believe im asking a general question, not specific. Time for the gentleman has expired. No personal knowledge, but i dont know everything about the fbi. Athr. Chairman, point personal privilege, since my character was slandered by mr. Mr. Cohen and said we never challenged robber moeller until he came after the administration wentim he knows how tough i went after fbi director James Moeller<\/a> he has been here when i went afterth moeller while bush was president. He knows ive been after him the gentleman. The damage he did and what he stated about me is a lie and i would like the record to properly reflect about. The germans comment is noted in the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman according to an august 17, fbi intelligence assessment titled black identity extremist likely motivated to target Law Enforcement<\/a> officers quote its likely black identity extremistr perception of Police Brutality<\/a> against africanamerican spurred an increase in retaliatory violence , so i tried to get to the bottom of where this report came from, who did itep, what te status is and i have asked attorney general sessions. I have asked rector ray and now i want to ask you. Did you order the fbi to conduct this assessment. What was the date . August, 2017 . No. Do you know who authored the report or are you familiar with the report . Not the report, but the general issue the. Maybe you could talk about the general issue in particular when the fbi began tracking black identity extremism. Its important to explain that the fbi does not make determination with regard to domestic groups to investigate based on their First Amendment<\/a> or affiliation. It bases its decision on evidence of a propensity of , so with regards to members of any ideology domestically the fbi would only investigate if there were some indications. Do you believe theres a Political Movement<\/a> in the country called black identity extremism. Audibly the fbi intends to do that. They try to categorize different threads they before you do investigation of their surveillance; correct . Generally no. There may be a determination pursed. There was a basis for investigation first. How does that investigation take place and where has it taken place. If you want details i need to get back to you, but the fbis strict guidelines as you know several decades ago there was quite a bit country controversy about this issue and the fbi has detailed guidelines for when they initiated and im not aware. One thing im aware of with the fbis history is that many people are looking at this document, black identity extremism. One of the concerns has been raised and i raised with the attorney general and director ray is that this document, forward error reason was master distributed to Law Enforcement<\/a> offices around the country. Are you aware of that . No. When we talk to director ray was not clear t how this term ws even developed and in other words what evidence was it based on tv come up with a term like that and then to write a document about it and then to distributed to Law Enforcement<\/a> around the country. If its of any reassurance, i have not seen any indication the fbi approaches us in a bias way. They are conducting investigations where they believe a person who is the subject represents a potential threat not because of ideology or socialite jazz ideology r, but because they represent a particular threat and i believe its to design there are no abuseses. What i hear from activists around the country, in particular activists protesting Law Enforcement<\/a> and Police Brutality<\/a> or death at the hands of Law Enforcement<\/a> is they are being visited by the fbi that the fbis leading business cards and whats concerninges is if ty do engage in a conversation with an fbi agent and make a mistake or Say Something<\/a> thats not true than they are vulnerable for being prosecuted for a line to a enforcement officer so the activists that have received it visits from the fbi have never been involved violence. Are you aware of that happening . No. Let me express another concern. When a document that does not seem to have any scientific basis that develops eight cat called black identity extremism and when he sent a document like that to Law Enforcement<\/a> or the country, in some places i worry they will take that to say any time there is a officer involved shooting and then a protest that the people that protest might be black identity extremist. To the best of my knowledge the fbi is not investigating people peacefully protesting. I have not read the document. I will review it and see what it says. I would appreciate it if you want and if there is no basis for this term i that then that i take the step to retract the document and send a message to Law Enforcement<\/a> around the country that no such category exists. I yield back my time. The chair recognizes the chairman from ohio 45 minutes. To the fbi pay Christopher Steel<\/a> bed was the dossier the basis for securinga. Americans associated with the Trump Campaign<\/a>. It boils down to those fundamental questions. Did you pay the guy who wrote it and did you use what he wrote to pay for the campaign again to spine americans. Thats when it comes down to inure the guy that can answer. Yesterday i was convinced the answer is probably yes, but today im even more convinced of the answer is yes a sum the Text Messages<\/a> we read early this morning. Im familiar with former deputy head of counterintelligence. Peter struck. I dont know his precise title ran the campaign, interviewed, change it john a ration letterfr [inaudible] peter struck selected by mr. Moeller and his team. That peter struck we learned had we read some early this morning. As my colleagues will point out some are so, he did not like trump. Said they dealt like the president , but that is nothing new. No one on moellers train likes trump. Might want to focus on one in particular, one in particular. This is a text message from mr. Struck in this case recalling a conversation and meeting that took place in Andrew Mccains<\/a> office recalling a meeting earlier in mr. Struck said i want to believe theres a break and says that there is no way he gets elected, no way trump gets elected. You said that in the meeting. To believe that, but then he goes but, im afraid we cant take that risk and this goes to intent. This as we can take the risk of the people of this great country might be like donald trump president s. This is peter struck, head of counterintelligence at the fbi who i think i had a hand in the dossier f. He says we cannot take the risk that we have to do something about it. Dont forget the timeline here either. Peter struck at january 10 is the guy who changes the exoneration letter from gross negligence, criminal standards to extreme carelessness. July 2 sitting on the clinton interview. July 5, 2016 with james comey had the press conference and said we are not going to prosecute. August 2016 we have this text message, same month the Russian Investigation<\/a> is open at the fbi my guess is that the same month that the application was taken to the fisa court to get the warrants to spy on americans. Using the stocky dossier the Clinton Campaign<\/a> pay for, democrats paid for, fake news dressed up and taken to the court. I have a couple basic questions because it seems to me if the answer to any of those two questions is yes, if you paid Christopher Steel<\/a> at the same time the democrats were painting or if you took the dossier, dressed it up and took it to the fisa court and used it as a basis to get warrants and now, we have intent in this text message saying theres another text message in my colleagues referenced it earlierht where mr. Strikes that i can protect our country at many levelsnt wih all of the humility he can muster. I can protect our country at many levels. This guy thought he was super agent james bond at the fbi. Im afraid we cant take that risk. Theres no way we can let the American People<\/a> make donald trump the next president ur. This is unbelievable and im here to tell you that i think the public trust in this whole thing is gone, so it seems you have two things you can do. You are in charge. You picked Robert Mueller<\/a>. You are the guy in charge. You can disband the moeller special prosecutor knew what we have called for for the Second Special<\/a> counsel to look into peter struck, bruce or anything else weve learned in the last couple weeksst. Yes, congressman and i can assure you that i consider it important to make sure a thorough review is done and our Inspector General<\/a> is doing a thorough review and thats how we found those messages. You have given that answer like 15 times. This is what a lot of americans believe right now and i do that that james comey fbi and obama Justice Department<\/a> worked with one campaign to go after the other campaign. Thats what everything points to. Think of what we learned about in the last several weeks. Weve learned who paid for the dossier and then peter struck and then bruces wife. Unbelievable. So, whats it going to take to get a Second Special<\/a> counselel o find out what is peter struck up to what i think he was . Its important to understand we have Inspector General<\/a> has 500 employees in hundred Million Dollar<\/a> budget and this is what he does. He investigate allegations of misconduct in the review his conduct he does what up those Text Messages<\/a> that also involve interviews of those persons and other witnesses. We have met with mr. Horwitz and we anxiously wait that report, but that does not dismiss the fact that the country thinks we need a second counsel, 20 members of this committee thinks we need a Second Special<\/a> counsel in all senator all cries of senators thinks we need a second counsel. What kind of Text Messages<\/a> do you have to see before you think its time for a Second Special<\/a> counsel . I assure you that we take seriously the concerns of 20 members of this committee or one member, but we have a responsibility to make a independent investigation and we will. I think the chair. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Rosenstein there approximately 14000 agents in the fbi . 37000 total employees. s appear to say a majority of the special agents are registered republicans imac i have not asked and i would not want to speculate. Is the majority of the special agents have [inaudible] many do. Im not counted. The department of Justice Department<\/a> of justice apparently last evening invited a group of reporters to view the private Text Messages<\/a> sense during the election by peter struck and lisa page. Correct query workag i believe thats correct. Who authorized the department of justice in advance of a congressional hearing to invite reporters to come to you private text message communication between two department of justice employees who are the subject of a pending investigation cracks did you give that order. That was one of my concerns about this issue the status of these messages and dessert appropriate to release them and of the determination was made it is so we gave notice to their attorneys and notify the committee and our goal is to make sure its clear to you, and the American People<\/a> we arent concealing anything embarrassing to the fbi. Ais it extraordinary you wod invite reportersrs for a private viewing in advance of a congressional hearing . Only if the information is appropriate for public release and if its not its never appropriate. Shannon brain is the fox news Supreme Court<\/a> reporter and tweeted last evening at 9 29 p. M. That fox news has a proxy j gibson has approximate 10000 Text Messages<\/a> between peter struck and it lisa page. My understanding only about 350 or so were released to the committee; correct . There are others being reviewed and we assure the chait we will produce them as soon as we have them available. W some redactions need to be made. How is it possible that fox news has 10000 Text Messages<\/a> . I would not assume its true. This is a fox News Reporter<\/a> indicating that. Im sure we will get to the bottom of it and hopefully the chairman it would be interestedd of what would be a violation of law and justice proceeding. If there is evidence we disclosed information to reporterte that was not disclosd to congress i would agree with you. Are not aware that. The department of justice investigation should be free from political influence; true . Yes. At 3 57 a. M. In the morning, god knows what he was doing at that time other than tweeting. It says everyone let me put that tweet up. I ask that the clock stop. What was the governments requestat. The committee had been given noticeth of a tweet that i wantd displayed on screen the last evening and ive been asked asking for that to be put up. There are some technical difficulty doing thatp . Yes. We will suspend. I will make sure he gets plenty of time. In the interest of time i will read what was written by the president. Said everyone is asking why the Justice Department<\/a>evhy and fbi s that looking into all of the dishonesty going on with cricket hillary and that dems. Is never appropriate for a president , any president to encourage the department of justiceny to launch criminal investigations against his or her perceived political enemy . Im not going to comment. As i have explained a president has put a team of folks in charge of the department of justice and we wont be influenced by anything other than the plaques of walk. Is that an appropriate tweet for the president of the United States<\/a> to send it . Not my role to opine on that. President s repeated attempts to [inaudible]n as i said, we understand our responsibility and we will continue to conduct our responsibility with the facts of law and im grateful the president put an experienced team in charge of the Justice Department<\/a> who understands what to do. On june the 20th, the New York Times<\/a> published an interview in in at the president criticize you from being from baltimore saying there are a few republicans from baltimore, if any. True. Are you unable to be fair and impartial because you are from baltimore . Im actually not from baltimore and its true there arent a lot of republicans in baltimore. It had no basis in reality; correct . That part was true seem like he was fired by donald trump in march; correct . Along with all almost all sitting us attorneys. It has prosecutable jurisdiction over trump towers in new york imac over everything in its jurisdiction. As has been reported to be the case for the replacement it would be a departure from traditional president ial protocol; correct . For the president light to comfort with a present to personally conduct the interview . Yes. I dont think it was done in the last two administrations. Okays and you are appointed y president bush and continued in that position as us attorney from maryland by barack obama . Correct. I was appointed and never removed. Were you ever asked for a loyalty pledge . No. Were you ever asked from president barack obama from a loyalty pledge . No. Is it appropriate for the president to ask for the fbi director to take a a loyalty pledge. I dont have any opinion about that. No one has asked me to take a loyalty pledge other than zero of office. I recommend yield back. Thank you for being here and so its clear i am one of the numerous members of the Judiciary Committee<\/a> had asked for special prosecutor based on what mr. Jordan earlier said. Of the Justice Department<\/a> is responsible for investigating criminal contact. With that include criminal conduct of nsa . Yes. We all learned under the prism happening years ago by the nsa that the nsa was doing, in my aptitude, unconstitutional surveillance on americans by hakim into seeing mills. It came to light under Edward Snowden<\/a> after who i care nothing for brought that to americas attention in the nsa said we would not do that anymore. , which i think is appropriate because its unconstitutional. We have heard theres been unmasking of information and what, i mean, by that is classified information is seized on someone and someone else, american that their name is caught up in the communication and if someone leaks who that was unmasked that individual understanding classified information whoever does that unmasking has committed a felony is that correct . The only distinction i would make is that unmasking. Wiki would be a violation. Thats what im talking about, the leaking of the information. As of today, has anyone been indicted . Has anyone been indicted under leaking information on unmasking up until today . Has the Justice Department<\/a> and indicted anyone under those two scenarios and events . We have prosecuted people for leaking. Im not certain i dont believe any related to unmasking. So, no one has been indicted to your knowledge. Now i want to bring up the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act<\/a> thats been discussed by this committee numerous times. Its the law that allows secret courts to issue secret warrants to get tariffs operating overseas and get their information does the Justice Department<\/a> presents those pfizer warrants to a pfizer judge . In situation where a warrant is required it needs to be obtained by federal judge. The Justice Department<\/a> is responsible for that . Correct. Also under pfizer pfizer once again americans are brought into this scenario because you target terrorist and then you go after their emails and then find emails of americans and those are inadvertently caught in the surveillance of the target. According to the Washington Post<\/a> recently 90 of those inadvertent emails are all americans and my question to you is why hasnt the Justice Department<\/a>, fbi, Intelligence Community<\/a> presented to congress and our request that took place years ago, how many of those inadvertent emails, communications, Text Messages<\/a>, conversations have been on americans . We have been asked for the number, do you know why its not been brought to our attention and let me follow up with this, we are getting ready to may be reauthorize 702, which i have a lot of problems with, but decides the point here we are with the deadline getting ready to reauthorize it and still the Intelligence Community<\/a> refuses to tell us how me americans have been information has been seized in you tell us why we havent gone that information that we have asked for four years . No. I testified at a hearing with the director who i think would be more appropriate to answer that because he has access to data. He displayed it, but i would simply point out you use the term inadvertent. I dont mind the problem. If you are investigating a foreign terrorist knowing whom that person is communicating thats not my question to my question was we are getting ready to maybe reauthorize 702. I dont think we should reauthorize it until we find out whether no indictments that have been issued based on the statements you have made to see whether or not they are violating the law they refuse to give this committee the information about how many people have been caught up in that b. Then stonewalled by the Intelligence Community<\/a>. Why cant the Intelligence Community<\/a> get some some key best buy answer that question . We just want the number. Ive heard director coates explain this and hes better than i. So, we still dont know. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you. The gentleman from illinois is recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Like to ask you about Sexual Assault<\/a> by the president of the United States<\/a> of america. Over the past few days echoing previous allegations in the past several years at least 16 women have come forward to say the president of the United States<\/a> felt them up, kissed them without permission, put his hands under his their clothing, touch their genitalia, walked into dressing rooms unannounced and made unwanted sexual advances that are clear violation of the law. I believe the women and i generally give the women and their words a lot of weight and when the him in question is donald trump there should be no further discussion because regardless of anyones political affiliation you can see we have a man in the presidency who has a difficult relationship with the truth work in this case we have women who were made to feel powerless and insignificant with great personal crossed and risk and have come forwardha. I believe them. Al franken is resigning from the senate and it goes no further than this committee where two senior members resign because women came forward and made credible claims and others on this dais right now are among additional members of the body accused of misconduct. Right now with the number two person in the Justice Department<\/a> before a committee and sworn to tell the true that i think its important to get your opinion on whether there are grounds for criminal investigation or ethics investigation against the president of the United States<\/a> of america. For example, Rachel Crookes<\/a> is one of the 16 women we know of less come forward. She says President Trump<\/a> quote kiss me directly on the mouth. It was so inappropriate. Key thought i was so insignificant that he could do that. Joe hardin, another one of the women said he croaked me and he just slipped hisol hand touching my private parts. These are just two advances on of unwelcome sexual advances. I think a person in a subway or restaurant would not both of these incidentsnc not be enougho get him arrested a as the number two most important officer in the United States<\/a>, but before you answer that ill bet these cases, Christian Andersen<\/a> in an interview said the personal my right who unbeknownst to me at the time was donald trump put their hands up my skirtrt and touched my vagina through my underwear and s quote. Cassandra said he continually croaked my and invited me to his hotel room. These are serious allegations of crimes committed by the president , are they not . Before you answer i think its important to point out i that these stories are cooperated by one of the most important witnesses of allrr, the presidet himself. He told tv host billy bush when he was microphone. Dot and i quote i just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. I dont even wait and when you are they let you do it. Continued and said grab them by and you know what he said. You could do anything and quote. Amanda said on National Television<\/a> with that when she was a contestant trump would come back to her dressing room. We have audiotaped cooperating this account when he told howard stern before a show i will go backstage and everyone is getting dressed and you know, no men are anywhere, but im allowed to go in because im the ownerr and went on to say chicks will be almost naked and quote. Mr. Russell, i see you as a lawenforcement officer and value your opinion. Would it be appropriate to investigate these another allegations of assault and unwanted sexual advances of the president of the us . Im happy to take any questions regarding oversight. Re to that matter or any other allegation you think warrants investigation i invite you to submit the evidence and if its believed it to be a federal arhicrime, any alleged violatioy any person and thats all i have to say about it. Mr. Rosestein, you are the number two top Law Enforcement<\/a> officer in the nation. Let me ask you, is a person on a train if they went and kissed a woman, is that a crime . Its if its a federal crime it might be a federal train. If a its amtrak . Would it be appropriate for me to answer you dont think its a crime for a woman to be on a train in a restaurant sitting and eight chariot a stranger unwanted would come up to her and grope and kiss her that its not a crime the time of the gentleman has expired or could the witness can answer the question. Ive never prosecuted a case like that in federal court, but if you have an allegation any person at any time should feel free to submit. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania for five minutes. Thank you chairman. Good to see you again. Thank you. We have done a lot of good Work Together<\/a> over the years and im proud to tell people i was part of the Justice Department<\/a>. I have a strong bias for the Justice Department<\/a>. I know your character. I know what kind of man you are and i have the most confidence in you that you will direct that agency rule of law and see that everything is above board. 99 99. 9 people i work with there are good, honest, Law Enforcement<\/a> with the ultimate respect for them. They helped me in many cases. I would like to ask you to clarify a procedure and first of all you can tell me if im right here, special counsel is appointed by the attorney general or under the circumstances by you and that special counsel reports to you. Corrected. Him i correct in saying independent counsel is appointed by the attorney general or you, but that counsel is independent and not report to anyone in the essence of can i do a, b or c . The appointment would be made by a federal judge there would be no role for the department. Have been in many interviews with dea agents concerning potential cases and what i have seen handled above the board, but would you expect conducting a witness interview the effort the fbi would write a summary and that is formed 302. During an interview whether its done by attorneys or investigators at the department of justice or its done back in my district in the middle of pennsylvania, at some point its usually assistant us attorney in those interviews . Theres no rule against it, but typically not. No majority of interviews are conducted by two agents without prosecutors. Who made that a final determination on whether immunity is granted . Is about by the us attorney or attorney of Justice Department<\/a> who could perhaps correct. It would be a prosecutor that would make that determination depending what type of immunity might require higher level of review. Before immunity is given to anyone whether its absolute or not we them all enforcement look for a process; correct . What are you going to tell us why we should give you immunity. We have a strong preference prior to the grant of immunity. We dont always do it, but we have a strong preference for his. Ive never been in a situation and perhaps where immunity has been given where there have not been a proffer. With that be extreme where someone would say that we have immunity but no idea what to say we characterize it as a us attorney i had to approve formal immunity and in the majority of the cases there was a proper and if not i would ask why, so i can characterize what the percentage might fall under that category. Also, any evidence that would be collected such as laptops and computers. Again, they would be a thorough investigation of the equipment before immunity would be given to someone. It would depend on the circumstances. We have to make a determination whether we believe the data might be relevant for the decision. We just dont give a blanket of immunity because someone asked for it or just to get them into talk. Should not give it just because someone asked for it. Correct. Thats all i happen to think you for being here and i know you will keep the night on things. I yield back. Think the gentleman. The chair recognizes the gentleman from florida. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Theres been a lot of talk about dates and timelines that i would like you to ask two walkthrough for the benefit of my colleagues a short timeline from this year to january fbi included the following and i we have [inaudible] russias goal were to undermine public fate in the Us Democratic<\/a> process and harm electability of president putin and the government. Did you have any reason to dispute that . No. In january 24, Michael Flynn<\/a> denied to the fbi agents he discussed us sanctions with russia before he took office and on january 26, acting attorney general told the white House Counsel<\/a> that he lied about the nature of his calle and is vulnerable to walk mel. In january of this year he resigned over the conversation with the vice president. February 15, reports and telephone records show members of the Trump Campaign<\/a> and other associates had repeated contact in thessian officials year before the election. March 16, documents released show flame received 33700 from russia for a speech he made in moscow march 20. The fbi director acknowledge investigation into possible collision between the Trump Campaign<\/a> in russia. May night, the president part of the fbi director. H he told them he fired the fbi, called him a nut job and said thats taken off. May 11, he told nbc news the russian thing with trop and marsha is a made up story. July 8, we learned of undisclosed trump tower meetings between donald trump junior, jarrard kershner and paul metaphor and the next day five sources stated donald trump junior agreed to the meeting. Five days after that a veteran of the Russian Military<\/a> also attempted that attended that trump tower meeting. On october 5,rng george, one of five people the president identified as a policy advisor pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the fbi january 27 about the timing, extent and in relationshipur. In the statement we learned that he reached out regarding his connections to help arrange a meeting between trump and prudent. Campaign chairman and Campaign Adviser<\/a> were indicted on multiple counts including endedracy against the us november the president met with Vladimir Putin<\/a> said i quote he said he didnt metal. He said he didnt meddle. You can only ask a sony times. Every time he sees me he said i didnt do that and i believe it. The president went on to say give me a break talking about the National Security<\/a> folks that put together the report i quoted earlier. Give me a break. They are political. December 1, Michael Flynn<\/a> pleaded guilty about conversations he had with the Russian Ambassador<\/a> regarding sanctions. This is a walkthrough over what happened the past year and i would like to ask you i would like to quote some of my colleagues. Once at the special counsel investigation into the Trump Campaign<\/a> is actually an attempt to overthrow the government peered do you believe that . No. He said we are at risk of allowing an unaccountable person special counsel unaccountable here . No. You and on to say with no oversight. Is there no oversight . There is oversight. He went on to say to undermine the duly elected president of the United States<\/a> and pursuant to rule oh block i remind the duly elected president . No, it is not. One of my other colleagues is that we have to clean this town up talking about firing Robert Mueller<\/a> and a former colleague accused Robert Mueller<\/a> of having a bed that against President Trump<\/a> peered do you believe he has a vendetta . No. I would conclude that this put a walkthrough this one year in American History<\/a> makes it impossible to understand how it is my colleagues i did the sites continue to launch attacks not only against reporters against the fbi, against a special counsel, but they do so to throw dirt on the story to try to make it to go way. They marry bury their head in the sand. I want to make clear they will not bury the rule of law the United States<\/a> of america. The chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina<\/a> mr. Goudy for five minutes. Thank you. There are a lot of issues i would like to ask you about. We had a terrorist incident in new york this weekend 702 reauthorization t, gun violence, opioid epidemic, criminal justice reform, but when i go home to South Carolina<\/a> this weekend trust me when i tell you no one will ask me about those issues. They will ask me what in the hell is going on with the department of justice and the fbi. The reason we have special counsel and this is important. The reason we have special counsel is because of a conflict of interest. The regulation itself specifically makes reckless to a conflict of interest and we dont like conflict of interest because it undercuts peoples confidence in the process and the results, so lets be clear why we have special counsel. It was either a real or perceived conflict of interest that we were fearfulli with eitr impact of the result or peoples confidence in the process. Thats why we have something called special counsel and thats why we have special counsel. Lo and behold those who are supposed to make sure there are no complex of interest seem to have a few of their own. There is a senior prosecutor who said sent emails to a witness she could be described as nothing other than a fact witness. Shes a really important fact witness if you pursue the line of inquiry my Democrat Friends<\/a> want to pursue with collusion and obstruction of justice. She may be the most important fact witness and eight obstruction of justice case and the senior prosecutor for this conflict of interest free special counsel set a fawning obsequious emails to a fact witness and then we have prosecutors assigned to conduct this investigation who donated almost exclusively to one candidate over another and then we have a prosecutor resigned to this conflict of interest free team that attended what was supposed to be for secretary clinton and we have a senior doj official with an office that used to be two doors down from yours. Meeting with the fusion gps and was paid for russian dirt from the very person they are supposed to be objectively investigatinghe and in that same senior doj official wife, the one that met with fusion gps his wife was on the payroll of fusion gps and that then we have a senior agent assigned to investigatee secretary clintons email, helped draft the exoneration letter where we changed the letter from grossly negligent to extremely careless. Interviewed secretary clinton in an interview i have never seen and i doubt you have either, interviewed Michael Flynn<\/a>, actively involved in the investigation into the Trump Campaign<\/a> for the Inspector General<\/a> found his text, so this agent in the middle of almost everything related to secretary clinton President Trump<\/a> sent pro clinton text, and type trump text in response to be installed maybe he is wary as to protect the country from that menace donald trump. He said i can protect our country at many levels and then he said Hillary Clinton<\/a> should win 100 million to not. Think about that. Thats a pretty overwhelming victory, 100 million to zero and when i read that last night what i thought was this conflict of interest free senior agent of the fbi cant think of a single solitary american that would vote for donald trump. Thats where the zero comes in, not as zero t single american would vote for donald trump. This is the conflict of interest free special agent assigned and then he went on about belittling Trump Supporters<\/a> by saying he could smell them at a walmart in virginia. This is the person we need to avoid a conflict of interest and then he said they fully deserved to demonstrate the absolute bigoted nonsense of trump. He wasnt content to disparage donald trump. He had to disparage Donald Trumps<\/a> a family. This is what he said. He is talking about our first lady and children, this conflict of interest free special agent of the fbi. This is who we were told it we needed for an objective and impartial fair conflict of interest free investigation, so hes openly pulling for the candidate that he and a role in clearing that hes opening in openly investigating a candidate he has bias against and then he says trump is a f idiot. What the f has happened to our country, the same man that said he would save our country. What happens when people who are supposed to cure the conflict of interest have greater conflict of interest than those they reflect. Thats not a rhetorical question. Nor you nor i nor anyone else would ever said peter struck on a jury. We would not have him objectively investigate anything knowing what we know now. Why did we know ahead of time and my final question to you and i appreciate the chairmans patients, how would you help me answer that question when i go back to South Carolina<\/a> this weekend . Congressman, first of all with regard to the special counsel mr. Struck was working with special counsel. What i recommend is your constituents that Robert Mueller<\/a> and Rob Rosenstein<\/a> and chris may are accountable and we will ensure no bias is reflected in any of the actions taken by special counsel or any matter within the jurisdiction of the department of justice. We will take action and as soon as he learned about this issue he took action and thats where i anticipate the rest of our prosecutors and new group of us attorneys and Justice Department<\/a> employees understand. They understand the responsibility of the integrity of the department and if they find evidence of Improper Conduct<\/a> they will take accent action. Thats the best assurance i can give you. You could it should tell your constituents that we expose the issue because we are entering the Inspector General<\/a> conducts a thorough investigation and if there is evidence of impropriety he will service it. I will try. The time has expired and the chair recognizes the settlement from in february the department of justice changed its investigation appeared did you have any involvement in the decision to reverse that this Justice Department<\/a> position . No. August, the department of justice changed its litigation position and is now defending ohios vote purging law. Were you involved in this decision . I was at the department at that time, but i dont believe i had involvement. Were you involved in the decision to file on behalf of the baker to samesex couples. It was made by our solicitor general. You describe the special counsel as a heroic fever figure who served his country and someone confirmed unanimously. I take it your judgment on mr. Mueller has not changed today . Correct. You would not have appointed a federal counsel for mr. Mueller if he thought he would gauge engage in a witchhunt . Correct. You then would disagree with the president s labeling of president counsel investigation as a witchhunt . I dont know what the president meant by that. Its not a witchhuntat. You can answer a question contrasting you disagree its a witchhunt; correct . I do not know what the president meant by that. Do you believe that repeated attacks on Robert Mueller<\/a> is to undermine the credibility of the investigation . The independence and integrity will not be affected by anything anyone says. You delivered remarks october 26 before the chamber of commerce saying if we permit the rule of law to erode the erosion may eventually the rule of law is not selfexecuting and if it collapsess then everyone will suffer. In the context of the president attacks, the American People<\/a> are witnessing an unprecedented attack on our Democratic Institutions<\/a>. First, diminishing the seriousness of the investigation which is underway, attacks on the judiciary, attacks on the free press. The one institution that continues to enjoy public support and remains key to protecting the rule of law. America is counting on your integrity and your commitment to protecting the independence of the special counsel to reaffirm our commitment and so when you said a moment ago that you dont have an opinion about the loyalty oath from the president it might be useful to two reminds you that members take a oath to the constitution so a loyalty oath to the president is inappropriate. To you agree . . No one has asked me thats not my question, sir. My question is you are here to demonstrate independence of your office and you are unwilling to say that an oath to the president is not inappropriate . A note toth the president of the United States<\/a> rather than the constitution would be an appropriate. A note to the United States<\/a> period is not appropriate. You are talking about a hypothetical. As long as you follow your oath of office you can also be faithful to the administration. Moving to a new question. You said you would not respond to the question to say whether or not the president asked you to initiate criminal prosecution against criminal adversaries and you would not disclose if those conversations took place. I said if i was told to do something improper what about if you were encouraged to do something improper or initiate a investigation. Several of your colleagues on both sides have encouraged me today and as i explained i will base my decision on the fact of life. I understand, but the action of a president to encourage you to initiate prosecution, that the reaction is not appropriate. You are free to make that judgment. Im asking you. My judgment is that its inappropriate for someone to order me to do that. It would be inappropriate for your supervisor, the person you serve to encourage you to initiate a criminal and prosecution against a criminal adversaries . Congressman. I think i have been clearer i will just end with this. We have heard you probably talk about the integrity of the department of justice and the work of the fbi and we heard director ray say the same thing. These two agents are in the midst of an unprecedented attack by individuals trying to undermine the credibility of this independent counsel investigation. The same group of individuals who praised Robert Mueller<\/a> when he was appointed, spectacular, praised him and now the only thing that has changed is to indictments, to please t. Michael flynn, part of this president s inner circle now cooperating with the government is the only thing that changed. We need to hear your voice defending the integrity of this department. At very few of our democracies are at stake if you fail to do that and with that i yield back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from idaho for five minutes. And thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you mr. Rosestein for being here. I shudder at some of the questions from the other side and i want to ask a quick question, have you ever said that youre the president s wing man . No. Has the current attorney general ever said that he is the president s wingmen . No. Yet to the attorney general under president obama said he was the president s wingmen and i never heard a single democrat object so its ridiculous to sit here and try to question your integrity or question whether someone will be loyal to their president or not because as you indicated you can be loyal to the constitution and to the president s as long as theres not a conflict of interests or as long as you are not doing anything inappropriate it is okay to be the president s wingmen and okay to say you will be loyal to the president as long as they are not asking you to do anything illegal; correct . Yes. What was the goal of the russians as they try to interfere with the election in the us . The assessment as reflected in the report is that the the russians was to undermine american confidence in democracy. To undermine the american. Im paraphrasing. Try to undermine the publics faith in the Us Democratic<\/a> process; correct . Correct. I believe no one in the us has done more to undermine the belief in the Us Democratic<\/a> process than the democrats and the press in some cases when they report on possible locations after allegation. When you see from the democrat is that you they move from one allegatione proven to be false and moved to the next one and the next one and the next one because they are unhappy with the result of the election. Can you tell me why the independent counsel was actually appointed . Special counsel and i have explained publicly that i appointed the special counsel based on the circumstances to promote Public Confidence<\/a> confidence that i have nothing to add to that. Why would mr. Mueller was charged with investigating he was charged with investigating any lengthst and coordination between the russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of donald trump and any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation. That charge is overly broad, but theres been to prosecutions or at least two charges so far brought by the independent counsel; correctin . For individuals pleaded guiltyty. Have any been charged with any coordination between the russian government and individuals associated . The charges speak for themselves and i will not comment the on the charging documents w. Is there anything in those documents that there was coordination between the Trump Administration<\/a> b and the russia . I will not comment beyond whats in the documents. I think you can draw your own conclusion. Something i do agree with my friends on the other side is that we should know the truth if there is collusion between russia and the president s and also know if there was collusion between any department that tried to interfere with our elections, so can you tell me was their collusion between the doj confusion g gps to use a democratic funded document for political and legal purposes . I dont know the answer. I simply point out there was coordination and i believe that was used by director colby and he publicly testified about an Ongoing Investigation<\/a>. I did not use the word conclusion. That coordination, was there any coordination between the doj infusion gps to try to undermine an election of the us . If there were i would be concerned about it. There are ongoing reviews. There could potentially be an investigation whether the doj concludeds of the doj with an enemy of a Political Party<\/a> in a political candidate to undermine the elections of the us . If there is any evidence we will do whats appropriate. So, i think if you wanted to restore the trust of the American People<\/a> i think the department of justice has the duty to give us information we have asked for. Who started this investigation, waiting to find out who the purpose was and if you have an individual who had a desire to have an outcome in a political race and they decided to use the department of justicee to investigate their political opponent i think its one of the worst crimes that has occurred in the history of the United States<\/a> when it comes to politics. Do you agree . If it were to happen it would be of great concern. I hope you are investigating this and we get to the bottom. Ou i yield back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman and welcome, Robert Mueller<\/a>. Will come mr. Rosestein. Have you spoken with the president since you were appointed . Of course. Is that in a oneonone setting . Ive never spoken with the president on a oneonone setting . Has he called you. By telephone. What was discussed . I told you if i were told to anything inappropriate i would talk about it and if the president is consulting me, thats part of the way you run the government. Did he discuss at all Robert Mueller<\/a>s investigation. Im not going to discuss my communication with the presidene how many times has he called you . Congressman, i will not comment about my communication with the president here to there is nothing wrong with the president consulting with his Deputy Attorney<\/a> general as long as its not inappropriate. Mr. Rosestein, i agree that this demonstrated has demonstrated and its been expressed through testimony from james comey that has not been contradicted that hes willing to talk to individuals at the department about Ongoing Investigation<\/a>s. Thats where the concern arises and with respect to attorney general sessionsns recusal, wase involved at all in the decision by the department to allow reporters to review Text Messages<\/a> you discussed earlier . Not to my knowledge. Would you tell us if he was . If i learned about it and if it matters as i said im not aware of any impropriety in making these Text Messages<\/a> available. Attorney Jeff Sessions<\/a> is recused; right . Attorney general sessions is recused from mr. Rosesteins investigation, correct. These Text Messages<\/a> are related to the investigation . I dont want to argue with you, congressman. Im not aware that the attorney general has violated his recusal. Mr. Rosestein, if you oversee an investigation and lead a team of investigators and you learn when the investigators has demonstrated a bias against an individual in the investigation should you keep the person on the team or remove the person . Remove the person. Knowing that what did mr. Rosestein do with a similar fact pattern . Chose a correct option. The president has said a number of things about you, the attorney general, the fbi be in tatters and compared our Intelligence Community<\/a> to nazi germany andnd i went to ask considering his continued disparagement of the department and your employees, are grandpa is proud to work for a person who holds their High Integrity<\/a> in such low regard . My employees, i believe, proud to work for the department of justicece. Is some support a particular president and some dough, but as long as they do their job appropriately, that is my concern. I hope so. Your testimony as you believe bob mueller is a person of High Integrity<\/a> correct . Yes. You believe his investigation is being conducted fairly; correct . Yes. You understand he has publicly indicted to individuals with respect to the investigation . Yes. Hes also [inaudible] is there good cause to fire Robert Mueller<\/a> as we sit here today . Not to my knowledge. Im concerned that my house judiciary colleagues have signaled quite in discreetly today that they would probably give the president a pass if he were to fire or order you to fire Robert Mueller<\/a>. There have been a number of statements attempting to undermine the good character of Robert Mueller<\/a>. That concerns me because that would flyin in the face of the rule of law in this country and not be okay with the American People<\/a> or the spirits that our country was founded upon. Mr. Deputy attorney general, your investigation is a bearer very narrow bridge, but important part of a leap for our country is for you to not be afraid to be during these trying times we need you to be fearless we have a president who demonstrated a willingness to involve himself in Ongoing Investigation<\/a>s that involve he and his family and for the sake of our country and the sake of rule of law i hope you continue to demonstrate the character that got you in this position and that given us as this committee a paper in your ability to carry out the mission. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman and i know we have talked a lot about this today, but i feel obliged on the account of the folks i represent asking me about this to say theres a real concern out there and in texas and around the nation. We have a special counsel working 24 seven investigating the Trump Administration<\/a> get the department of justice and various witnesses we have had a peer basically have not been able to confirm or deny what investigations if any are going on with respect to the misdeeds of the Clinton Campaign<\/a> in their dealings with russia through your name uranium, various speaking engagements with her former president , Chris Clinton<\/a> and the likes and im not asking you to break the confidentiality, but i am suggesting there are people out there who would be sadly disappointed if there isnt investigation and who may who do actually think there might be special prosecutor or special counsel appointed to look at the other side, so instead of beating that dead horse i will beat another one that i have been talking a lot about the mets specifically the dojs opposition to the usa liberty act. Why is it so hard . Why is it so difficult to deal with on your part we understand the need to have circumstances for things to get looked at quickly, but its like the fisa court at its own process for obtaining things for intelligence purposes to stop terrorists or being rolled into more normal mainstream criminal investigations where traditionally theres been a need for work. Why is it so difficult to get a warrant . In many cases you can create the necessary probable cause and paperwork in a matter of hours if not minutes. There are judges on call 24 24 seven to look at these things. Why is it such a problem and why are yall opposed to it . I wish actually you could join us in the department to see how we call about our work and i think that would enhance Public Confidence<\/a>. Public sees when things go wrong, but dont see 99. 9 of the time when things go right and it would be burdened some. I certainly respect and understand the concerns and i think those are serious concerns that we will do everything we can to reassure people about it, but i can tell youin that i believe director ray is correct and the National Security<\/a> community i know many folks who were involved pre911 and post 911 have spoken up about how important is to have this tool because we dont want to be in a position again where we were 911 where people said why didnt the fbi put these acts together and figure out the threat before the terrorist attack, so thats the basis and i can assure you if it were easy to do and i am in favor of it, but its not and i believe we have appropriate safeguards in place and we had people who are responsible conducting these investigations and will void fringing americans rights. Jeff sessions made it one of his priorities to make sure there is no violation of americans rights and i believe no program represents violation of anyones rights. You may respectfully disagree on whether it violates folks rights or night. I believe we have to fight terrorismo. Theres a reason the Fourth Amendment<\/a> was included in the constitution. Want to touch or a second on cyber security. I used to run a Computer Consulting<\/a> company and you have heard about breaches throughout the country and privateec secto. Can you give me an overview about what you all are doing with respect to that and what if Anything Congress<\/a> needs to do to help you . It would be hard to do it quickly because we have a lot of resources l that are protecting against the cyber threat and it is significant facing intelligence threat from hostile Foreign Government<\/a>s and criminal threat from people who try to break into our systems to commit crimes and defraud americans, so its a very challenging issue as you know from your experience that technology continues to evolve but we need to stay a step ahead of the capabilitiesp of our adversaries so the fbi has research devoted to that and i testified about our budget a couple of months ago and i think that will be an area where we increase support from congress to make sure we keep up with our adversaries. I see my time has expired. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Rosestein. I know for the American People<\/a> that not only were you appointed by republican president donald trump, but previously republican president george bush. When you are us attorney a former Prosecutor Says<\/a> mr. Rosestein is the poster child for professional, competent, ethical and fairminded prosecutors, so thank you for your service. Thank you. Last week fbi director ray told us know when is above the law. You would agree with that statement; correct . Yes. Now, important to our democracy is not also the concept but people have trust in our Law Enforcement<\/a> investigation. There are some of my colleagues and media that have suggested if you make political contributions somehow you could not be fair and impartial, so as you know these contributions are matter of Public Record<\/a> any previously said when it comes to special counsel investigation you, special counsel molar and fbi director ray will be the ones held accountable. We looked up the political contributions of fbi director ray and he has made over 39000 in contributions exclusively to republicans including 2500 twice to romney for president. Thousands of dollars in republican committee. On and on their do you believe fbi director ray can remain impartial . Yes. Your colleague, associate attorney general rachel grant has made over 37000 in political contributions exclusively to republicans. Do you believe she can remain fair and impartial . Yes. To shut down this silly argument for my colleagues across the out that somehow when someone exercises their First Amendment<\/a> right to make contribution that somehow they cannot do their job and that shows the desperation some people have about the Robert Mueller<\/a> investigation. You supervise the investigation so you are aware of the guilty pleas and indictments and in reviewing the guilty plea of george you would agree there is a solid, legal and statue bases . I believe he was represented by defense counsel who assisted him in making his decision. He pled guilty to lying to fbi agents about interaction with russia russian officials; correct . I believe thats correct. I dont want to comment beyond the documents. The guilty plea of Michael Flynn<\/a>, you would agree there is a legal and statue statue a basis for that as well . Crack. He lied to agents; correct . Again, the documents in yield speak for themselves. You would agree there is a solid, legal basis for those indictments; correct . When we returned an indictment we are careful to say they are presumed innocent, but im comfortable with the process followed. You are aware of the people interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a>s team and you would agree there is a factual to interview those witnesses; correct . Im not aware of any impropriety. You previously testified about Robert Mueller<\/a>s exemplary record and mentioned he was a vietnam veteran. I want to know for the record and im sure you know as well he also received a bronze a start; great correct . I believe to. You also received a purple heart . Yes. What we have here . We have a special counsel investigation be supervised by mr. Rosestein whos been described as a fairminded prosecutor appointed pratt twice by republican president s being run by special counsel Robert Mueller<\/a>, vietnam veteran, bronze star winner, purple heart and in coordination fbi director Christopher Christopher<\/a> ray thats been appointed by a republican president thats made over 39000 in contributions to republicans, that is the leadership of this special counsel investigation and i am okay with that. I yield back. The chair recognizes that chairman from florida. When sally yates defied President Trump<\/a>s travel restriction order at the end of january, 2017,er was that appropriate what she did . I disagree with her decision. If you are in a position where you can then order your job is to stall the order and if you you think its unconstitutional your response would be to resign . First to receive talk to the person making the order, but if i concluded it unconstitutional i would not. You cannot have a department operating where each one is a law in themselves and they dont follow the order; correct . Yes. It bothers me one of the recent revelations with andrew white spent a big democratic donor and went to hillarys suppose it victory party, but when she took that action and he sends her an email with his doj email account saying he is so proud of her basically standing up to trump, i mean,ay it was sn as a direct rebuke to the president , so your testimony or political affinity and opinion affecting as someone doesnt office, but isnt that email example of his strongly held anti trump opinion affecting how he is conducting himself on his official emails . I have discussed this general issue with director Robert Mueller<\/a> and he understands the importance of ensuring there is no bias reflected in the conduct of the investigation. Looks bad to the public. There is an actual bias, bash you know theres an appearance of that and this appears to be because clearly what she did was not something that experienced prosecutors would think was good with the rush investigation it started it. Was it struck started it . Who opened the case . That matter is under review by the Intelligence Committee<\/a> and there is nothing i can talk about publicly regarding the initiation of the investigation, but i can assure you we will provide appropriate access to the Intelligence Committee<\/a>. Did the fbi pay for the dossier . Im not in position to answer the question. Do you know the answer to the question . I believe i know the answer, but the Intelligence Committee<\/a> that is not true. We have oversight over your department and the fbi and whether public fund was spent on the dossier is not something classified and we have every right to that information. You should provide it. Was that info used to get surveillance over anyone associated with trump . I appreciate the question in a no space concern for members of the committee. I set aside about a half hour every day to reviewne fisa applications and its not legal for me to talk about those applications. I would like that authority. You may not be able to talk about the sources or substance, but if it was used we need to know. D what was the role . He met with Christopher Steel<\/a>e before the election. Was not authorized . Etori do not know the detailf misinformation is still developing, so i dont know the full story that we have agreed to make him available for congressional interviews. You need to pursue it. Its your department. You demoted him. Hes working with Christopher Steel<\/a>. His wife works for future and gps. This doesnt look good so we need answers. Let me ask you this, the role of mr. Shrug, how much of this rush investigation was due to him because yes, Robert Mueller<\/a> saw the text and i think there was nothing he could do, but how much of this whole investigation has been infected with this bias i do want you to know and again not specifically about this investigation, but the fbi has procedures for all investigations to ensure, so not just one individual could make decisions. Bad. With the path for consideration that there is no way that we cannot take that risk is like the insurance policy if you die before you are 40. If you have a walmart shopping trump how do they react to that . To they have confidence in their fbi and their department of justice when you see that, that you cant let the American People<\/a> vote somebody in who they want to . Congressman, i think what i hope you can tell your constituents and to provide reassurance to the American People<\/a> that we have appropriate internal Affairs Officers<\/a> who will get to the bottom of that. Our Inspector General<\/a> is the one who exposed that and going to deliver report when is that report due . Gentleman is out of time. I believe relatively soon. I believe hes testifying next door. He knows i want it as quickly as possible and to get it right. Thank you. Recognizing mr. Raskin for five minutes. Mr. Rosenstein, good to see you again. Im aware having been a state senator in maryland for a decade of your Excellence Service<\/a> and thank you to your services now. My first question is about the emoluments clause, and more than 180 members of the u. S. Congress brought a lawsuit in the District Of Columbia<\/a> against the president s collection of Foreign Government<\/a> money for the trump hotel, trump tower, trump golf courses and so on. And the Justice Department<\/a> says we dont have standing to raise thatment members of Congress Whose<\/a> permission is required under the emoluments clause, dont have standing to raise the question of the clause, how do we deal with the problem . As you mentioned, thats the pending litigation. It will be the judges determination whether or not that position reveils, and prevails and i dont think anything to say beyond. You said that Robert Mueller<\/a> is a dedicated, respected and heroic Public Servant<\/a>, whose military career as a prosecutor make him eminently qualified. Singularly qualified to be running this special counsel investigation right now. Hes a registered republican nominated director by president bush and unanimously confirmed by every republican and democrat in congress. Is his judgment impaired or are his decisions suspect because hes a registered republican . No. Do criminal prosecutors and investigators have a right to contribute money to candidates for Public Office<\/a> . Yes. And there are members of this committee who, as prosecutors at the federal or state level gains thousands of dollars in contributions while they were prosecutors to candidates in office. Do you think that that would be the grounds for overturning the verdict that they received against criminal defendants . No. So i want to ask you this. I mean, even this hearing, we got a dump of hundreds of Text Messages<\/a> that weve been spending most the day talking about mr. Strzok and miss page and make for fascinating reading, much like anna kari karinenana. And they trash Bernie Sanders<\/a> and they trash senator oconnell and mark omalley, the governor of our state and of course, they trash donald trump who is repeatedly called an idiot and at one point, i think mr. Strzok says watching the republican debates, omg, hes an idiot, which hardly qualifies him for any awards for originality or exceptional insight, you probably could have found that in millions of tweets across the country, but i was amazed to learn from Business Insider<\/a> that there was a selected reporters to doj to screen and look at private emails. Do you know of any precedence of the department of justice to call reporters and come in and look at part of an investigation at a press conference or if its during a press conference. I was amazed. Can you exmra in explain . Im accountable, public affairs, i dont know the precedent was, but our role is generally to be as forth coming with the media as we can. I would not approve anybody disclosing anything that were not appropriate to disclose. Do you know of any other cases where material in an Ongoing Investigation<\/a> were released by the press officer to reporters . And are you aware of the ig rule which says that material in an Ongoing Investigation<\/a> cannot be released . Yes, i appreciate that. And when this inquiry came in from the congress, we did consult with the Inspector General<\/a> and he determined that he had no objection to the release of material. If he had, i can assure you i would not have authorized the release. Theres been much propagandaistic talk about fruit of the poisonous tree. And theyre in a mad wild goose chase for a villain and they found their villain in mr. Strzok who was removed by mr. Mueller. And the Fourth Amendment<\/a> doctrine that relates to evidence that derives from an illegal search or seizure. Have you heard any allegation of mr. Strzok or anyone in this case conducting an illegal seizure . No. Thank you for your testimony. Yield back. Thank you. The chair recognizes mr. Radcliff for five minutes. Thank you, chairman johnson. Mr. Deputy attorney general, good to see you. Likewise. I had a line of questions that i wanted to go into, but like many of the folks on this Committee Last<\/a> night i had a chance to see are the number of these Text Messages<\/a> between agency peter strzok and miss page. Youve been asked about those. Have you had a chance to read them . Not all of them, congressman. How many have you read . A few dozen, i believe. Okay. Well i will tell you, i cant read some of these publicly theyre that obscene. Theyre that offensive. And as someone who served with you at the department of justice and reveres the independence of the department of justice, i will tell you that i changed my questioning to ask you about them because as i read them i find them so sickening and heartbreaking i felt compelled to do so. In addition to sickening and heartbreaking, these are evidence. Theyre not an evidence of an appearance of inpropriety, theyre evidence of an actual vitriolic bias, actual hatred for the subject of the special counsels investigation by folks serving as the independent investigators and lawyers on the special counsel itself. Mr. Deputy attorney general, i guess, please tell me that when you read these texts your heart fell and that you were appalled by what you read there. I dont mean to quibble with you, congressman, the special counsel investigation does not have any identified subjects, that is individuals, other than the persons who have already been charged, but i can tell you with regard to those Text Messages<\/a>, we concluded when we learned about them that it was appropriate to complete the Inspector General<\/a>s investigation and if the Inspector General<\/a> reaches the conclusion that its misconduct, then, obviously, i have an opinion, as anybody may, about what it looks like, but its important for me, since i supervise that investigation to await the formal conclusion and then any recommendation before i reach an official decision and take any action. I guess when you line up agent strzok and miss page, along with bruce orr and andrew weiss men and the conflicts of interest, i will tell you these are not the runofthemill conflicts, and you mentioned mr. Orr, sometimes they have spouses that are involved in corporations. We are mae not talking about Companies Like<\/a> walmart or microsoft, fusion gps, a company that had ten employees and his wife was one of them and he had meetings in that. I want to clarify that he was part of my office when i arrived. I never involved mr. Orr in the Russian Investigation<\/a> so he had no role assigned by me. Well, i understand that, but i guess what im getting at, the conflict of interest here and appearance of impropriety are colasselly bad. Lets talk about judgment. You said in response to mr. Gowdys questioning we should have great confidence in mr. Mueller and director ray and in yourself and you pointed out as soon as director, former director mueller found out against mr. Strzok, that he took action, but i want to give him credit for removing or reassigning folks, but, isnt he the one that chose them in the first place . Congressman, the mr. Mueller was assigned by me to come in as special counsel and there were a number of folks already working on the investigation, so, i dont know to what extent mr. Mueller my goal was to get him in and working as quickly as possible. I dont know what, if any screening he did. Do you know what anybody did with respect to vetting this team . Because if you set out to create an appearance of bias or prejudice or impropriety or conflict of interest, the only way you would could do a better job of doing it would be to pick this team and have them wear their im with her tshirts to work every day. I regret that you feel that way congressman, but as i said, i talked with director mueller and he understands the importance of avoiding any bias in that investigation. Well, Deputy Attorney<\/a> general, i have talked often about the fact that i think people can lose faith and trust in elected officials, but if they lose faith and trust in organizations like the fbi and the department of justice, to fairly investigate and adjudicate violations of the law then we may lose the republic. I know that you take that charge seriously in the role where you are, but as has been said, events like these and the daily transgressions that become public, one after another, are not serving either the department of justice or the fbi well. And i just encourage you to do everything you can to restore integrity to those organizations that i know that we have both revered. If i may, mr. Chairman. I agree with you entirely, congressman and i want to assure that when attorney general sessions talked with me about taking on this job, he conveyed to me his desire to make certain that we do everything we can to enhance Public Confidence<\/a> in the rule of law and assure the department of justice runs appropriately. He, like you and me, serves as u. S. Attorney and he serves for 12 years and he was proud to run. I think thats reflected in the appointments made to the Department Setting<\/a> myself aside, we have a superb team of professionals including chris ray to run that department. So i cannot assure you there will be no wrongdoing, we have 115,000 employees, things go wrong, but i can assure you that we will respond appropriately when they do. Thank you. I yield back. Thank you, the chair recogniz recognizes gentle lady from washington. Thank you, and attorney general rubenstein thank you for your service. And weve harped on expressing concern about peter strzok and the Text Messages<\/a> released yesterday, but id like to remind everyone of where we were just over a year ago. The fbi was conducting investigations of Hillary Clinton<\/a>s emails and leaks occurred routinely. Reports cited antiHillary Clinton<\/a> bias within the fbi as the cause of leaks surrounding the investigation of secretary clintons email. One current agent even described the fbi as quote, trump land and another agent said some viewed secretary clinton as antichrist and the reason why agents are leaking is because theyre pro trump. These leaks why serious consequences and arguably swung the Election Results<\/a> in trumps favor and i didnt hear any of my colleagues on the other side expressing concern about the fbis bias last year when this was happening despite the very real problems that we were seeing. I agree with you in your earlier statement that political affiliation is different from bias, i believe im quoting you directly when you say that and i want to remind my colleagues that people are allowed to have their political opinions and affiliations. For instance, special counsel mueller and you and life long republicans, but thats not what is at usual. As much as my colleagues on the other side would like to deflect attention away from the urgency of obstruction of justice and collusion at the highest levels of our government. Its clear to me after listening to three hours of questioning, that none of this is about Text Messages<\/a>, it is rather a full fledged irresponsible and very dangerous attempt on the other side to attack and undermine Robert Mueller<\/a>s investigation and his credibility and to lay the groundwork for a design to fire Robert Mueller<\/a> or invalidate the results of his investigation an acts that i believe would cripple our democracy that weve not seen since watergate. And warn my colleagues and American People<\/a>, history will not look at that kindly and to be dragged in the president s attempts in our democracy is something we must resist. Deputy attorney general rosenstein, in your role in the fbi, is it your sense that the fbis i am impartiality is at any risk. Its important to separate the character, the character of the fbi is a function of approximately 37,000 employees, ive been very impressed with the character of the agents and employees who i know personally. And do you believe that the fbi, as an agency, is politically motivated . I dont believe you can characterize any agency. We all recognize there can be individuals who do things they shouldnt do, but thats nothing we address when it comes to our attention. And Deputy Attorney<\/a> general,. What would you do after mueller conducts the investigation. Nothing i can do. He will conduct it until its concluded. Do you have full faith in counsel muellers ability to conduct this investigation. Yes, i do. Let me move to security. When the attorney general appeared before the committee i and several of my colleagues asked questions about the Justice Department<\/a>s actions. At the time the attorney general said that he had not yet ordered a review of what laws might need to be updated to protect our elections from foreign influence, has such a review yet been ordered . I can tell you, we have a lot of ongoing work relating to protection of elections, and i dont have time to go through it all, but thats a high priority for us. We have met with, as the attorney general and i met with director ray and some of his experts, and were going to continue to do everything that we can to assure that our election thank you, wed love to have an updaten that. Let me ask my last few minutes, few seconds to ask you about civil rights. Ive been very concerned that the doj is not actively twend defending civil rights instead abandoning tools for decades used by the department of justice to protect people from brutal and discrimination whats the status of the 18 open reform agreements, five open investigations and one case in active litigation brought under section 14141 thats managed by the department of Civil Rights Division<\/a> . I regret i dont have personal knowledge of all of those, congress woman. If i may, yesterday, i attended the annual awards at Civil Rights Division<\/a> and Civil Rights Division<\/a> has a lot of talented and proud attorneys. The attorney general spoke about his disrespect so im confident that will go on. I had a he appreciate a response to that later. Ill yield back. The chairman recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Thank you mr. Chair and thank you for being here. So a few things that im not theres been a lot of questions and a lot of understanding of bias and things like that, and two things i want to base some of the questions i want to have on because someone asked a little bit, one of my colleagues asked is the special counsel is unaccountable. No, theyre accountable to you. I think which presents my line of questioning in a little bit of a way, there has to be in your mind at least an embarrassment of what he is going on right now. I think you in good confidence chose director mueller believing as many of us did, just a very respentable record, one we can trust and were starting to find out this team has been put together with interest and one of the questions asked, did you know of his bias and you responded no. Now, given the indication, there, the flip side, you would agree that theres a bias that looks at least to be presented in these text membe messages. These raise concern, ill withhold that until the investigation a completed. Thats interesting, i spent time with fbi director ray and interesting, some of his comments he felt like he didnt have to provide to this committee, i think hopefully after that, we have direct jurisdiction and he will be getting this stuff. He brought up mr. Strzok and where he is now. I want to focus on where this issue is. At the time you give director accountability to director mueller. When you discuss was there a discussion between you and director mueller about moving mr. Struck off the committee, after the investigation . I believe director mueller and i were together when we learned from the Inspector General<\/a> about what he had found. By the way, when did you have that discussion and he was removed again . Approximately july 27th. And its just coming out that he was removed, correct . I think, i think the fact that he was no longer on the case was known. The reasons were not known. The reason was not known and i think thats interesting because it does, again, perception is reality in most parts and whether thats true or false, perception is reality and the perception, we found a problem this investigation is tainted and we dont want it to come out and its start to go come out. I have a question in the process. Mr. Ray last week said he was not demoted. He was moved to hr. And its funny to me the second in command in the Investigation Division<\/a> put on high profile. One of the highest is simply moved over to hr is not a demotion. Why would you put somebody with challenges that youve now seen in place we didnt have last week. Why would you put him in hr . There seems to be a problem there. So i have a question. When he was removed from the investigation did he present the security clearance . I believe he did. I dont have person knowledge, but im fairly confident that he did. You dont know if he has a security clearance working, what hes working on. Im certainly he would have m a security clearance. Is it revoked or suspended at this point . Not to my knowledge. Why would it not be . Why would it not be revoked . Because i think what were is having here, theres a double standard. As a new agent coming in and working or new u. S. Attorney in Office Coming<\/a> in and having what is now perceived as bias and working on a case where the bias would at least be perceived by average individuals having an influence on the outcome of an investigation, especially him being involved in all of these other parts of this, changing letters, changing this, i think the interesting issue here is, is he being treated differently than a younger agent or line agent out in, you know, another field ocffice . I appreciate that question. If i may explain. To the average american it might seem unusual, but within the department of justice, were subject to the federal Government Employment<\/a> regulations and there are very School District<\/a> rules about what we may on may not do. So when we have an allegation of misconduct, its investigated, and we dont take any disciplinary action unless and until a conclusion is made that its warranted. So, the decision to transfer the agency was made based upon what was known at the time. Thats not a punishment if there is an adverse finding and again, im supervising Inspector General<\/a> and i need to withhold my judgment. If theres an adverse finding and they have due process rights. They have a right to provide explanation of defense. I dont know what its going to be, but they have a right to do that and at the conclusion i agree with that. Let me jump in. I appreciate where youre headed. And also let me say, this is a general through the text that is weve seen is an understanding that he wants to protect america and he did nt like the new president and hes still involved in the fbi, still at this point undoubtedly still has a security clearance, he is does it not strike you that at least this person, who had access to very high risk sensitive security issues, dealing in this russia investigation, why would they have not been separated out in, under all rules and regulations, but at least taken has he been polygraphed since hes in regards to this . The Inspector General<\/a>s responsible for handling that review and when he concludes it, as i said, there will be a public report. With regard to the climbing, i should clarify, i actually anticipated and hoped the report would have been done, and completed in november, but its not completed yet, but i anticipate it will be ready soon. Is there a reason its not been completed . Yes, because the Inspector General<\/a> made a determination he wasnt finished. I think the impression here, again, somebody has been treated special and i think from youre having the responsible for the special counsel it is on you at this point to make sure thats created and right now theres a lot of mistrust out there. Thank you, and i yield back. The gentleman from illinois mr. Snyder is recognized for five minutes. Thank you. Deputy attorney general, i believe you touched earlier on this, but i want to confirm your answer. Do you agree with the National Intelligence<\/a> and agencies that russia on orders of Vladimir Putin<\/a> worked to interfere in the 2016 president ial election. I agree with the community, yes. In a a target usa, if we have interference in elections we need to take a response. I agree with you, on several occasions including on this committee, attorney general sessions stated that were not review on this issue and no review on the department what steps should be taken. You said that integrity of our l elections is a high priority. Simple yes or no question, has there been a former review of the attacks made on the 2016 election and what doj must do to protect the integrity of our 2018 election . Congressman, thats the second time this issue has been raised and i did not watch all the attorney generals testimony and ill have to check, but i believe you may have been referring to a review of legislation as opposed to if i i can reclaim my time. I asked specifically what steps had been taken following appearance on the senate side and the question asked, if any steps had been taken to review the election and take steps to protects our future elections. Im asking the same question of you, simple yes or no, has there been a review of what russia tried to do or any other agencies tried to do to interfere in our elections last year and what must we do to protect the elections next year. I believe the answer is yes, but i can get further information for you if you like. If that answer is yes, its not been shared with us as of today, weve had no information shared. I think this is an important issue. The elections are a short time away and we need to make sure they are secure. Have there been any specific actions taken by the attorney general following his appearan appearance before this committee . Is there anything specifically to share with us to protect our elections in. Yes, the attorney general i met with, a team of fbi experts, and discussed a variety of things that theyre doing. Some of which are classified. In addition to that, Homeland Security<\/a> has a role to play in coordination with state and local elected officials so theres a lot going on in that area. I appreciate that, but i think we have to respect that 2016 wasnt the first time the rushes shuns russians tried to interfere in our elections. Theyve interfered around the world and their attacks are going to become more aggressive, more intensive and complicated and we need to be staying a step ahead of them. Twice now, attorney general sessions, first in front of the senate and then recently in front of this Committee Said<\/a> not enough has been done. The meeting you were talking about, did that happen before november or is that subsequent to mr. Sessions appearance here . I dont believe i dont recall the date, congressman, ill be happy when we take to break to review it, i dont think theres any inconsistency in my answer. Well, mr. Session committed to me that the department would brief this committee on any actions taken. Last month after his appearance, i sent the followup briefing before the end of the year and before this week and intended adjournment of congress. Unfortunately, ive not received a response let alone a scheduled briefing. Are you willing to commit we can have a briefing that you will update this committee on what actions are taken to make sure our elections are secure in year. If the attorney general commits, ill make sure that happen and make sure that we respond to the letter. Im sure its in the queue. I hope it moves to the top that its not the long list that may get to eventually. I think its the confidence of the American People<\/a> in our process. If the confidence of the American People<\/a> in our republic, as the russians tried to do, we need to make sure that people respect our elections, know their votes are counted and voices are heard. Im imploring the department of justice to work with this committee, to work with congress to make sure that the American People<\/a> can be confident in the future of our elections, i hope we can count on you to work with us. Absolutely. I want to be absolutely clear. That is near the top of the list for us and i know it is for the attorney general as well. Thank you, i look forward to hearing back. I field yield back. Mr. Snyder and i are advised that we have votes on the floor. General rosenstein, we will be back in about 35, 40 minutes, so if you want to get a bite to eat, whatever, well have the committee will reconvene immediately after this vote series. I think we have four to six more members to ask questions. [inaudible conversations] live here on cspan two on this friday morning, the counsel on competitiveness is releasing their sixth annual clarion call for competitiveness, a list of policy recommendations. We believe that will increase u. S. Economic competitiveness, its the National Competitiveness<\/a> forum and all day forum on that issue, and among the speakers today. The chief scientific officer of pepsi, cia of gallant. The chairman of the Accounting Firm<\/a> deloitte. The senior vice of verizon and leaders and top officials at major universities. Set to get underway shortly. Our live allday coverage getting underway here on cspan2. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] please welcome to the stage the honorable ceo of counsel on competitiveness, debra wynn smith. [applause] good morning. Welcome to the 2017 National Competitiveness<\/a> forum. I hope all of you that were with us last night had a lovely evening at the University Club<\/a> for our annual dinner. 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