The Department of Justice is digging in its heels in its refusal to share information with Congress on the classified documents scandal plaguing President Joe Biden.
And for an explanation, officials say they do not want to do anything to jeopardize the special counsel investigation into the mishandled materials.
Deep State DOJ Will Not Comply with Jim Jordan’s Request for Biden Classified Documents Due to “Ongoing Investigation” https://t.co/XeS7TZy50W
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) January 31, 2023
The DOJ informed House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) on Monday that it will continue to withhold information on the probe. Jordan targeted Biden’s possession and mishandling of classified materials in his first formal investigation as the new chair.
The Republican announced the panel’s investigation after it was revealed that Attorney General Merrick Garland chose former U.S. Attorney Robert Hur to oversee the DOJ investigation.
As special counsel, it fell on Hur to look into the discovery of even more classified materials uncovered at the Biden residence in Delaware. These multiple discoveries followed the original revelation of mishandled documents at the Penn Biden Center.
Jordan and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) insisted on receiving explanations on the special counsel appointment as well as allegations that the DOJ concealed information important to the case. Jordan demanded all documents and communications concerning Hur’s appointment.
He also demanded communications between the DOJ and FBI concerning the mishandled materials.
Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte confirmed on Monday that the DOJ received Jordan’s letter but denied the request. In a return letter, Uriarte wrote that “the Department’s longstanding policy is to maintain the confidentiality of such information regarding open matters.”
He claimed this DOJ policy is a way to protect the public’s interest in a fair and impartial investigation, and it could reveal pathways taken in the probe and interfere with the Department’s gathering of information.
Uriarte added that the confidentiality protects the “legal rights, personal safety, and privacy interests of individuals implicated by, or who assist in, our investigations.”
Jordan spokesman Russell Dye said Monday that the Judiciary Committee is paying close attention to the DOJ’s double standard in the classified documents case. He referred to the differences in approaches in the case of Biden compared with that of former President Donald Trump.
Dye observed that “it’s concerning, to say the least, that the department is more interested in playing politics than cooperating.”
Despite the appointment of a special counsel, it is difficult to get away from the appearance that the administration is investigating itself. Jordan’s request for pertinent documents is both reasonable and warranted, and it is up to the House to ensure that the DOJ investigation is transparent.
