Stefanik and Speaker Clash Over FBI Candidate Investigations
US Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is acknowledged by President-elect Donald Trump alongside US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (L) during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC on November 13, 2024. (Photo by Allison ROBBERT / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)
Rep. Elise Stefanik secured a key legislative win, ensuring that her proposal for Congressional notification regarding FBI counterintelligence investigations into presidential candidates will be included in the National Defense Authorization Act.
In a statement following productive talks with President Trump and Speaker Johnson, Stefanik confirmed via social media that this significant provision is now moving forward. The measure aims to require lawmakers to know when such sensitive probes target individuals seeking office.
“This provision requiring Congressional disclosure will be part of the NDAA bill,” Stefanik declared after her discussion. She framed it as a victory against potential misuse by federal agencies, though acknowledged its limitations in addressing broader concerns.
Stefanik and Speaker Johnson have been publicly at odds over this measure. Earlier Monday, the congresswoman criticized the Speaker for allegedly blocking her effort to mandate notification of candidates being investigated, calling such actions “illegal weaponization.”
Johnson dismissed Stefanik’s concerns on Tuesday, stating he had no involvement with the provision before it was formally removed from earlier NDAA versions. He emphasized his support but maintained this lack of responsibility regarding its inclusion.
The push for legislative disclosure stems from lessons learned during investigations like the Crossfire Hurricane probe – a counterintelligence review targeting figures in Trump’s 2016 campaign that ran extensively and fueled subsequent inquiries into Russian interference during US elections.
