Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is leading an effort to investigate an anti-Catholic memo prepared by analysts in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Richmond, Va. field office. Grassley, alongside 15 other Republican senators, is urging FBI Director Christopher Wray to address discrepancies surrounding the memo and the deletion of related files. The senators are particularly concerned about revelations that high-ranking FBI officials instructed analysts to permanently erase files linked to the internal memo, which threatens to impede the FBI’s internal investigation and obstruct congressional oversight. Additionally, the letter questions the accuracy of Director Wray’s testimony regarding the memo, highlighting conflicts with subsequent information provided to Grassley and the House Judiciary Committee. The FBI’s claim that the memo was a single product originating from a lone field office contradicts evidence confirming contributions from multiple offices and the preparation of a second anti-Catholic memo for broader distribution within the FBI. Grassley criticized the FBI’s response, saying, “It’s unfathomable the agency’s response has been to cut corners, dodge questions, and stiff-arm Congress.” The senators are demanding a comprehensive review, transparency, and accountability in addressing the controversy. A link to their full letter is included below.
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