A House Judiciary Committee Chairman has made a criminal referral to the Justice Department, accusing a former special counsel of intentionally misleading Congress.
According to a letter sent to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) claims that former special counsel Jack Smith made intentionally false statements during a testimony, designed to obstruct the Committee's oversight.
Newly released records contradict Smith's testimony that he did not obtain or review lawmakers' text messages during his investigations into President Donald Trump.
"All individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry. Mr. Smith, a former public servant, is no different," Jordan wrote. "His testimony included intentionally false statements designed to obstruct the Committee's oversight."
Chairman Jordan continued that the Justice Department should examine whether Smith's actions warrant criminal charges, stating that his conduct can only be understood as an effort to thwart the Committee's inquiry by intentionally making false statements and representations before Congress.
A Senate Judiciary Chairman revealed last Tuesday that Jack Smith spied on 44 members of Congress and actually read their text messages, which contradicts his earlier testimony under oath.
According to records, Jack Smith obtained "toll records" or 'call logs' of members of Congress, and lied when asked if the records he requested included the contents of calls and texts.
During a deposition last December, Jack Smith was asked if the records he requested included the content of text messages, and he replied "No," despite the records actually containing the contents of calls and texts.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested that he will prosecute Jack Smith for lying under oath, saying "Yes, Senator" in response to a question from Senator Hawley during a confirmation hearing.
Senator Hawley also expressed his hope that Blanche would prosecute Smith, saying "I think he absolutely should be investigated. I hope that you prosecute him."
