Last week, FBI Director Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee. Yet despite the hours-long hearing, Wray ducked and dodged his way out of answering critical questions related to numerous scandals surrounding the weaponized agency. 

More than two years have passed since January 6th, 2021, yet Wray provided little to no insight on the matter. For example, Wray failed to provide transparency amidst ongoing concerns regarding the FBI’s involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6th. After telling a Committee Democrat that it was “ludicrous” to suggest that FBI agents orchestrated an operation on J6, Wray later refused to answer straightforward questions about whether the FBI had confidential human sources present that day. Even when pressed by a Republican on information related to the two pipe bombs left at both the RNC and DNC, Wray stonewalled — hiding behind the active status of the investigation. 

But Wray’s efforts to evade basic questions extended beyond the topic of January 6th.

Numerous Committee Republicans grilled Wray on the agency’s brazen double standard in the treatment of President Trump and President Biden, with additional questions zeroing in on Joe Biden’s corrupt behavior. Due to his lack of interest and answers, Wray was directly asked if he protects the Bidens.

Wray, of course, replied: “Absolutely not. The FBI has no interest in protecting anyone politically.”

Give me a break. While Wray will never publicly admit to the FBI’s increasingly politicized and weaponized actions, the American people know good and well that this ongoing behavior is rotting the agency from the inside out.

And these nefarious efforts aren’t just aimed at high-profile Republicans. Everyday Americans continue to bear the brunt of the FBI’s dishonorable and unlawful behavior. From targeting concerned parents at school board meetings to punishing pro-life activists and surveilling religious Americans, the FBI has undoubtedly overstepped its bounds. Despite legitimate concerns about these widely reported activities, Wray largely sidestepped related questions during the House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Ultimately, the vast majority of questions directed at FBI Director Wray went unanswered — prompting swift criticism and fueling frustrations.

Yet no matter Wray’s attempts to obfuscate the truth, House Republicans are committed to delivering transparency and justice to the American people. Please know that as a conservative appropriator, I look forward to assisting my Republican colleagues in this effort through the appropriations process and utilizing every congressional tool to hold the corrupt FBI accountable. 

On the latest "From Combat to Congress," I explained why I voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which passed the House last week by a vote of 219-210. 

Click the video below for the full Washington update.

For additional information on my vote on the FY24 NDAA, please check out my full statement HERE. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about my vote, please contact my office.

Rep. Clyde Reviews Materials During Appropriations Markup

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee considered two more spending bills for Fiscal Year 2024. Here are a few highlights: 

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Bill

• Prohibits funds for the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
• Supports religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid
• Blocks funding for any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, training, or program
• Allows only approved flags to be flown over federal facilities — barring woke flags, such as the “Pride Flag,” from being displayed over U.S. embassies and other federal facilities  

Financial Services and General Government Bill

• Rescinds wasteful Democrat spending for a supercharged army of IRS agents
• Ensures agencies return to pre-COVID telework policies and levels
• Includes several of my amendments, such as:
  • Requiring the White House to submit a report on the investigative materials associated with the July 2nd, 2023 cocaine discovery
  • Defunding the D.C. Council’s anti-police law
  • Allowing an individual with a valid weapons carry permit from any state or territory to possess and carry a concealed handgun in areas governed by the District of Columbia and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Unfortunately, one of my amendments to the Financial Services and General Government bill was blocked by both my Democrat and Republican colleagues. In response to the FBI’s rogue behavior, my amendment would simply rescind unobligated federal funds for the agency’s new headquarters and return this funding to the Treasury to be applied toward paying off our sky-high national debt. While this commonsense effort was struck down, I remain determined to use tools throughout the appropriations process to hold all weaponized agencies — including the FBI — accountable. 

Rep. Clyde Offers Amendment to Rescinds Funds for New FBI Headquarters

With four bills remaining, the Committee will resume its work on advancing each of the twelve spending bills for FY24 in the coming weeks. I look forward to updating you on this process as it moves forward, and I will continue keeping your input and fiscal responsibility in mind as we work toward bringing these smaller spending bills to the House floor.

I’m back in Washington this week, where the House Appropriations Committee will consider two more spending bills: 

• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Additionally, the House will advance H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This legislation reauthorizes the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as the nation’s aviation safety and infrastructure programs, for the next five years.

For regular updates, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Gettr, and Twitter. Have a blessed week!