Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has joined Senator Chuck Grassley in leading a group of 14 Republican senators in demanding answers regarding an anti-Catholic memo prepared by analysts in the FBI's Richmond, Virginia field office. The senators are seeking a "coherent and complete response" from the FBI on the matter.

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Senator Grassley and his colleagues express their concerns about new details and discrepancies surrounding the memo. They are particularly troubled by revelations that top FBI officials ordered analysts to permanently delete files related to the internal memo. This document destruction could hinder the FBI's internal investigation and obstruct congressional oversight.

The senators are also questioning the accuracy of Director Wray's congressional testimony regarding the memo. They highlight the conflict between Wray's statement that the memo was "a single product by a single field office" and the information provided by the FBI, which confirms the involvement of multiple field offices and the distribution of a second memo to the entire FBI.

Senator Grassley emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, stating, "The fact an FBI office produced even one discriminatory document like this — let alone two — is deeply troubling. It’s unfathomable the agency’s response has been to cut corners, dodge questions and stiff-arm Congress. From where I’m sitting, it seems like the FBI is working to sweep the issue under the rug rather than address it."

The senators express their frustration with the FBI's ongoing internal review of the memo, which has been used as an excuse to avoid congressional oversight. With the conclusion of the review, Senator Grassley and his colleagues are raising concerns about its narrow scope. They outline the necessary actions and review procedures that the FBI must undertake to ensure transparency and accountability.

The letter is also signed by Senators Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, James Lankford, Eric Schmitt, Kevin Cramer, Roger Marshall, Todd Young, Jim Risch, Deb Fischer, Mike Braun, John Hoeven, Mike Lee, and Marsha Blackburn.

This demand for a "coherent and complete response" from the FBI highlights the senators' commitment to uncovering the truth behind the anti-Catholic memo and holding the agency accountable for any wrongdoing.