A two-month holdup in transferring Senate records has stalled a federal probe examining alleged misconduct tied to earlier intelligence findings on the 2016 election.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A federal investigation involving former John Brennan has encountered delays after the U.S. Senate failed to provide requested records to the Department of Justice within a specified deadline, according to a report by Just the News.
Earlier this year, the Justice Department formally requested that Senate committees turn over transcripts and related materials involving Brennan’s communications with lawmakers. The request, tied to a broader inquiry into claims surrounding the Russia investigation, set a deadline of Feb. 23. More than two months later, the Senate has not transmitted the requested documents.
The chamber is led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, whose office has been working to secure unanimous consent for the release of the materials. According to officials, negotiations with Democratic senators are ongoing in an effort to avoid a floor vote, which could delay other legislative priorities.
The delay contrasts with actions taken in the House, where lawmakers previously voted to provide similar materials to federal investigators.
The Justice Department’s request seeks access to unredacted transcripts and records related to multiple areas of inquiry, including the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian election interference, the handling of the Steele dossier, and allegations of coordination between Russian officials and the 2016 Trump campaign.
Officials indicated that while prosecutors have been permitted limited access to review certain Senate Intelligence Committee materials in a secure setting, full transmission of the records has not occurred. One option under consideration, according to sources, is the issuance of a grand jury subpoena to compel compliance.
The investigation is being conducted out of Fort Pierce, Florida, and is examining whether officials during prior administrations misled Congress or improperly used intelligence and law enforcement authorities. Brennan has denied wrongdoing and has described the investigation as politically motivated.
“I think this is unfortunately a very sad and tragic example of the continued politicization of the intelligence community, of the national security process,” Brennan said in comments reported by Reuters.
A prior notice to Brennan that he was a target of the investigation was detailed in reporting by The New York Times, citing a letter from his legal team arguing there was no legal basis for the probe.
The investigation gained momentum after a criminal referral by Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who alleged that Brennan made false statements to Congress and may have obstructed legislative oversight.
At the same time, personnel changes are underway within the Justice Department’s investigative team. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has reassigned resources between Washington, D.C., and Florida. The prosecutor previously overseeing the case has returned to a separate post in Miami, and former U.S. Attorney Joseph diGenova is set to take over as lead prosecutor.
DiGenova has held multiple federal roles, including serving as U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., and as an independent counsel. His prior cases include prosecutions involving public corruption and national security matters.
Supporters of the investigation say the requested Senate materials are central to determining whether key intelligence assessments were handled appropriately. Critics, including Brennan, maintain that the probe lacks legal merit.
The standoff between the Senate and the Justice Department continues as investigators seek access to evidence they say is necessary to advance the case.
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