House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, threatened to hold embattled FBI agent Peter Strzok in contempt after he refused to answer the first question.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, South Carolina Republican, asked Mr. Strzok how many interviews he conducted in his first week as the lead investigator for special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.
Mr. Gowdy said it was an important question because Mr. Strzok had been texting his lover, Lisa Page, that Trump should be impeached before he had started the investigation for Mr. Mueller’s team.
Mr. Strzok said he could not answer the question on the advice of FBI counsel.
“Congressman, I understand your question,” Mr. Strozk said. “I appreciate it and I very much would like to answer it. The counsel of the FBI, based on the Special Counsel equities, have instructed me not to answer the question.”
Mr. Goodlatte shot back that Mr. Strzok is under Congressional subpoena and is required to answer Mr. Gowdy’s question.
That prompted an angry response from Mr. Strzok who shot back that he was not under subpoena.
“I believe I am not under subpoena, I am here voluntarily,” he said.
Mr. Goodlatte told him that if he refused to answer the question he may be forced to return to Congress for a contempt hearing that could lead to criminal charges.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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