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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Calls for FBI to Investigate CIA / Pelosi Argument

A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers is calling for an investigation into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's accusation that the CIA lied to Congress about Bush-era interrogation techniques.

FBI Director Robert Mueller, when asked if a probe was under way, told Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., on Wednesday that he needed a referral before launching an investigation into the allegation.

So Issa offered one.

"If the CIA is lying to any of us -- and I've been briefed many times by them as a member of the Intelligence Committee -- it puts me in a position of not being able to do my job properly," he said.

Mueller said he would consult with the Justice Department on whether he should investigate the charges.

The exchange is the latest development in a controversy that began with Democrats seeking to hold Bush officials accountable for enhanced interrogation techniques used on terrorism suspects. But Pelosi's contradicting statements on if and when she was briefed on the methods have given Republicans ample ammunition in the partisan conflict.

Rep. Steve King, R-Ill., also called on Mueller to initiate an investigation. - FOX News Story

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