[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 103 (Monday, June 14, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE INVESTIGATION

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, on one final matter, despite the fact 
that we are now almost 6 months into a new administration, the sins of 
the previous administration are coming to life. Late last week, the New 
York Times reported that the Trump administration's Justice Department 
delivered secret subpoenas for the personal phone data of at least a 
dozen people tied to the House Intelligence Committee, including 
Members of Congress, aides, and even family members. One was a minor.
  This is a gross abuse of power. It is an assault on the separation of 
powers. The notion that any President, via their political appointees, 
could manipulate our democratic system to tap into personal data has 
the fingerprints of a dictatorship--a dictatorship--all over it.
  This appalling politicization of the Department of Justice by Donald 
Trump and his sycophants must be investigated by both the DOJ inspector 
general and by Congress. Former Attorneys General Barr and Sessions and 
other officials who were involved must testify before the Senate 
Judiciary Committee, under oath. If they refuse, they are subject to 
being subpoenaed and compelled to testify under oath.
  The Justice Department must also provide information to the Judiciary 
Committee, which will vigorously investigate this abuse of power. The 
issue should not be partisan. Under the Constitution, Congress is a 
coequal branch of government and must be protected from an overreaching 
executive. We expect our Republican colleagues to join us in getting to 
the bottom of this very, very serious matter.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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