Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has just issued a statement calling for Devin Nunes to begin an investigation into several issues with the NSA, and among them is Tucker’s recent claim that the NSA has been spying on him.
Below is the full statement:
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on why he’s asked House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Devin Nunes (CA-22) to investigate the National Security Agency:
“For the past several months, I have seen a disturbing trend at the National Security Agency.
“Earlier this year, I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Austin expressing concern over the politicization of the Agency through the sidelining of Michael Ellis as NSA General Counsel. I asked that Mr. Ellis be reinstated and expressed my concern regarding undue political influence in NSA placing Mr. Ellis on administrative leave.
“Separately, it has recently come to my attention that NSA has refused to deliver information requested by the Republican Members on the House Intelligence Committee who are trying to fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
“Now, there is a public report that NSA read the emails of Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Although NSA publicly denied targeting Carlson, I have serious questions regarding this matter that must be answered.
“Given this disturbing trend, I’ve asked HPSCI Ranking Member Devin Nunes to investigate and find answers on behalf of the American people. The NSA cannot be used as a political instrument, and House Republicans will ensure accountability and transparency.”
Well, this is a good thing for McCarthy to do. Not only is he calling for an investigation, he’s assigning Nunes to carry it out.
You can be sure the NSA will fight this and avoid cooperating with Nunes as much as they can. And you can expect the same from Nunes’ committee, since it’s chaired by a Democrat.
Even so, I’m very happy about this because Nunes is not a novice at these kinds of investigations. And hopefully he’ll be able to shed some light on this.