House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte said Thursday the committee will not release a transcript of FBI agent’s Peter Strzok’s private, 11-hour testimony last month.
But Democrats said they may release the transcript anyway if Mr. Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, doesn’t comply with their wishes. The exchange occurred during Mr. Strzok’s public testimony before two Congressional committees.
The debate capped off a tense exchange between Mr. Goodlatte and the House Judiciary ranking member Jerrold Nadler, New York Democrat.
“There is no legal reason why the transcript can’t be released,” Mr. Nadler said. “No valid reason why the transcript shouldn’t be released.”
Mr. Goodlatte responded that the transcript can’t be released because the committee’s investigations are still ongoing.
The committee is probing into decisions by the Justice Department and FBI surrounding investigations related to the 2016 election.
Nadler pushed back accusing Republicans of releasing selected portions of Mr. Strzok’s private testimony.
“Given that selective portions have been leaked, I think it is very appropriate,” he said.
Mr. Goodlatte fired back, “It was private, confidential and it is not going to be released.”
Mr. Strzok sat at the witness table patiently for about 10 minutes while lawmakers fought over releasing the transcript.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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