FBI Director Christopher Wray has engaged in discussions with House Oversight Chair James Comer regarding an internal law enforcement document that has drawn attention from Republicans. The document is believed to provide insights into an allegation suggesting the involvement of then-Vice President Joe Biden in a criminal scheme with a foreign national. Two sources familiar with the situation have informed CNN that Wray has offered Comer the opportunity to view the document.
Comer had previously issued a subpoena for the document and had warned Wray of potential contempt of Congress proceedings if the document was not provided. During a telephone call, Comer expressed concerns that the accommodation offered by Wray might not be sufficient to halt the contempt proceedings, according to the sources.
Both Comer and the top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, are expected to be granted access to the document. Raskin is scheduled to have a separate call with Wray on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for House Oversight Democrats stated, “Since Chairman Comer refused to allow Ranking Member Raskin to participate in his call with Director Wray this afternoon, the Ranking Member secured a separate call this afternoon so that Director Wray can brief him on the information the FBI is providing in response to the Committee’s subpoena.”
CNN reached out to the FBI for comment, but no immediate response was received.
The document in question is an FD-1023 form, commonly used by the FBI to record information obtained from confidential sources. Typically, it contains unverified allegations provided by a source. As per Comer, the specific document is dated June 30, 2020, and alleges that a foreign national paid $5 million to influence a policy outcome, based on whistleblower disclosures that are unclassified and legally protected.
In a recent letter addressed to Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland, Comer and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley stated, “It has been alleged that the document includes a precise description of how the alleged criminal scheme was employed as well as its purpose.”
The White House has previously dismissed the unverified claim as yet another “unfounded politically-motivated attack” from Republicans.
In a letter preceding Comer’s contempt threat, the FBI expressed its intention to provide the information to the oversight committee “in a format and setting that maintains confidentiality and protects important security interests and the integrity of FBI investigations.” The FBI also highlighted limitations on its ability to share unverified raw intelligence outside the bureau.
Since gaining control of the House, Republicans have actively pursued President Biden and his family, particularly focusing on Hunter Biden, with allegations of improper use of political connections for personal enrichment. Earlier this month, Comer claimed that the Biden family received millions of dollars from foreign entities in China and Romania, including during Biden’s vice presidency. The committee, however, does not imply any illegal activities regarding the foreign payments, and representatives of the White House and Hunter Biden have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.