Particle.news
Download on the App Store

House GOP Refers Ex–Jack Smith Aide Thomas Windom to DOJ for Prosecution

The move escalates the panel’s clash with Justice Department secrecy rules following Windom’s refusal to answer deposition questions on grand-jury grounds.

Overview

  • Chairman Jim Jordan sent a 19-page criminal referral accusing Windom of obstructing a congressional investigation under 18 U.S.C. § 1505.
  • Jordan says the Justice Department expressly authorized Windom to testify on two occasions, yet he declined to answer key questions in a September deposition.
  • Windom invoked the Fifth Amendment and grand-jury secrecy, and his lawyer argued the committee and DOJ placed him in an untenable legal position.
  • Republicans sought answers on interactions with the former Jan. 6 Committee, surveillance of Rep. Scott Perry, and the Arctic Frost inquiry.
  • The Justice Department is not required to act on congressional referrals, and Jordan’s move follows a recent referral involving former CIA Director John Brennan.