Allow Jack Smith to Testify to Congress on Lawful Investigation Practices

Today I take pen in hand to write urge you to allow former special counsel Jack Smith to testify before Congress regarding his investigation into the efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Recent claims of improper surveillance of Republican lawmakers have created unnecessary controversy, and it is crucial that Mr. Smith be given the opportunity to address these allegations directly, in public and on the record. On February 8, 2024, attorneys representing Jack Smith sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley to correct inaccurate claims about Smith's investigative methods. The letter, authored by his attorneys Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski, emphasizes that Smith's actions were consistent with his career-long commitment to following facts and law without political bias. The controversy stems from an FBI document showing that Smith's office sought limited phone toll data from eight senators and a House member around the time of the January 6 Capitol assault. However, Smith's attorneys have defended this action as proper and lawful, noting that it was approved by career officials in the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section. The purpose was to confirm reports of then-President Trump and his surrogates calling senators in an attempt to delay the certification of the 2020 election results. It is important to note that Smith's final report openly mentioned the use of toll records, contradicting unfounded suggestions of a cover-up made by FBI Director Kash Patel. Furthermore, these records were provided to Trump's lawyers during the discovery process, demonstrating transparency in the investigation. By allowing Jack Smith to testify, Congress can provide a platform for him to clarify his actions, address concerns, and demonstrate the integrity of his investigation. This testimony would serve to dispel misinformation, restore public trust in our institutions, and ensure that our democratic processes remain transparent and accountable. I urge you to schedule a hearing for Jack Smith to testify as soon as possible. Thank you.