Goodlatte, Gowdy statement on appointment of U.S. Attorney to lead investigation of DOJ actions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) released this statement following the announcement that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will tap U.S. Attorney John W. Huber to investigate the actions of the Department of Justice in 2016 and 2017:

“We are encouraged that Attorney General Sessions has designated U.S. Attorney John W. Huber to investigate the actions of the Department of Justice and FBI in 2016 and 2017. While we continue to believe the appointment of a second Special Counsel is necessary, this is a step in the right direction. We expect that U.S. Attorney Huber, given his reputation, will conduct an independent and thorough investigation. Such an investigation is critical to restoring the reputation of both the Bureau and DOJ in the eyes of the American people.

“We applaud the Attorney General for demonstrating his commitment to this investigation by selecting an individual outside of Washington, D.C. to lead the review. We think it is important that Mr. Huber report directly to the Attorney General since the Attorney General, as the head of the Justice Department, reserves the right to appoint a special counsel in the future.

“In the meantime we intend to continue our investigation into the decisions made and not made by DOJ in 2016 and 2017.”