A long push by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to stop what she calls the political weaponization of the FBI cleared a major hurdle this week.
Stefanik, who chairs the House Republican Conference, announced that she successfully advanced new language in the Intelligence Authorization Act that would require the FBI to notify Congress when it opens counterintelligence investigations into any federal candidate for office.
She says the policy change stems from her 2017 questioning of former FBI Director James Comey, who admitted at the time that he failed to notify congressional leaders when the bureau launched an investigation into then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
That probe, known as Crossfire Hurricane, later became the focus of a Republican-led investigation into alleged abuses of power by top intelligence officials.
Stefanik called the reform a “big win for the rule of law,” arguing it would stop the FBI from secretly targeting candidates in future elections.
She also reaffirmed her support for further investigations into the Crossfire Hurricane case and pledged to continue working to hold those responsible accountable.
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