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Utah’s Chaffetz vs FBI director Comey in Congressional hearing

Posted at 5:46 PM, Jul 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-07 19:46:09-04

FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz as chair.

Chaffetz’ role has put him in the national spotlight on a number of hot button issues important to the grassroots of the Republican Party, from Benghazi to allegations of IRS abuse to the practices of Planned Parenthood.

From the start, Chaffetz said he was “mystified” by Comey’s recommendation to not charge Hillary Clinton with a crime for her mishandling of classified information as Secretary of State.

Ranking Democrat on the committee, Maryland’s Elijah Cummings, drew the battle line quickly.

“House Republicans are doing what they always do, using taxpayers’ money to investigate claims that have already been debunked,” Cummings said.

“There does seem to be two standards. There does seem to be no consequence,” Chaffetz told Comey.

“I didn’t say there’s no consequence for someone who violates the rules regarding classified information. There are often severe consequences in the FBI involving employment, involving their pay, involving their clearances,” said Comey, repeating the distinction between carelessness and criminal intent.