McCaul Statement on Release of HPSCI Memo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the declassification and release of a memo on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) majority.

Congressman McCaul: "As a former federal prosecutor who worked directly with FISA applications, I am always concerned when there are allegations of impropriety or violations of civil liberties during this process. FISA is critical to the safety and security of our people and has saved many American lives.

"As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, I have always had the upmost respect for the Department of Justice, the FBI, and all of our brave men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice so much to keep America safe. I would never support releasing a memo meant to attack the credibility of these vital institutions.

"However, with such immense power there is a high obligation for genuine accountability. Because I believe the public has a fundamental right to know, I am in favor of releasing this memo, in order to ensure we always maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions and the accountability of those who serve.

"Upon reading the memo produced by the majority of the House Intelligence Committee, I was disturbed to find that the information included in the FISA application was unverified. At this time, it does not appear that the FISA court was aware that the source was based on a document politically-designed to bring down a presidential candidate – to me, this is the most troubling discovery. Even Former FBI Director Comey testified that this so-called evidence was ‘salacious and unverified.' I strongly believe the American people deserve to see the facts and to have full transparency from all branches of government. As Congress continues its oversight, I would also recommend the DOJ's Inspector General to review this matter."