Nomination of Christopher Wray to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Prepared Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

Nomination of Christopher Wray to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

August 1, 2017

I’m pleased today to support the nomination of Christopher Wray to be the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Wray possesses the skill, the character, and the unwavering commitment to impartial enforcement of the law that we need in an FBI Director. Based on the unanimous vote that Mr. Wray received from the Judiciary Committee, I’m confident that my colleagues believe this, too.

Mr. Wray has an accomplished record as a lawyer. He was as a federal prosecutor for a number of years and went on to serve in various senior roles at the Department of Justice. This included leading the Criminal Division at the Department.

Mr. Wray earned the Department’s highest award for public service and leadership. His prior record of service demonstrates his competence in leading within the Federal government, and demonstrates that he’ll be able to lead effectively at the FBI. He has shown that he has the expertise needed to address the wide range of policy issues currently facing the FBI.

Of course, my colleagues and I asked Mr. Wray about his positions on many such issues during his hearing. He answered those questions well. But the most important thing we wanted to learn from him had to do with his view of the job, and where his loyalties lie.

As all of us in this body know, when we take the oath of office we affirm that we will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We don’t pledge support to any member of the government, or even to a political party.

We pledge our loyalty to the Constitution, and to the rule of law. Many members asked Mr. Wray very pointed questions about loyalty during his hearing. I was impressed with his plain-spoken, candid answers. And I take him at his word when he says that his “loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law” and when he says that he will “never allow the FBI’s work to be driven by anything other than the facts, the law, and the impartial pursuit of justice. Period – full stop.”

Now, if he is confirmed, Mr. Wray will step into this role at a crucial moment not only in the history of the FBI, but in the history of this nation. As we know, multiple investigations are underway, including by this body, to clearly lay out Russia’s activities that attempted to influence the 2016 election. These are important and sensitive investigations, and they cannot be inappropriately influenced by people in powerful positions, in any way. This applies to the FBI Director.

Mr. Wray was asked directly what he would do if presented with the opportunity to influence these investigations in any way. He told the committee that he won’t condone tampering with investigations, and that he would resign rather than be unduly influenced in any manner.

Mr. Wray’s record of service, and his reputation, give us no reason to doubt him. He was forthright when asked specific questions about the events leading up to his being offered the job of FBI Director. He made no loyalty pledges then, and I expect him never to make such a pledge moving forward.

Mr. Wray will also face the challenge of running the FBI, motivating its staff and ensuring that the FBI operates efficiently and effectively. My colleagues know that I haven’t been pleased with how the FBI has – or has not – replied to the Judiciary Committee’s inquiries and requests for information.

I asked Mr. Wray directly about the FBI’s responsiveness to this body. He promised me that he’ll prioritize responsiveness and transparency to this body. This will allow us to do our vitally important job of oversight over the nation’s top law enforcement agency. I’m glad that Mr. Wray is ready to work in partnership with this body to help us perform our role effectively.

I expect to see improved responsiveness from Mr. Wray to our letters. And to see enhanced protection for whistleblowers within the FBI who come forward – at great risk to themselves – to let this body know where abuses of power are going unnoticed. We owe it to these brave people to give them the protection they deserve, and the culture for giving this protection starts at the top.

As I mentioned before, Mr. Wray was voted out of Committee unanimously. The fact that all of my colleagues – Democrat and Republican – trusted Mr. Wray with their “aye” vote says what we need to know about Mr. Wray’s ability to perform the role of FBI Director with integrity, competence, professionalism, and the utmost respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. We can’t ask for anything more than that.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to confirm Christopher Wray as the next Director of the FBI. 

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