Prepared Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
Executive Business Meeting
July 20, 2017
We have a number of nominees on today’s agenda and I know that many Members would like to make a statement this morning. I’m aware that several Members of the Committee need to go to the Appropriations Committee at 10:30 so I’ll make brief remarks and put the rest of my statement in the record. I hope that we’ll be able to get to as many Members as possible before we vote. But I’ll be glad to stay and listen to anyone who doesn’t get a chance to speak before we vote.
Last week, we held a hearing to consider Christopher Wray to be the next FBI Director and today the Committee considers his nomination.
Mr. Wray, of course, has an impressive legal resume. He graduated from prestigious schools and clerked on the 4th Circuit. As a young lawyer, he spent many years as a federal prosecutor and was on the front line in cases involving violent crime, drug trafficking, public corruption, and fraud. He was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to lead the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. He led and managed over 400 federal prosecutors and 900 total employees in nearly all areas of federal criminal law. Mr. Wray received the Department of Justice’s highest award for public service and leadership. And he’s had a very successful private practice.
Mr. Wray’s worked closely with the FBI throughout his career and he unquestionably has the credentials to lead the Bureau well.
But beyond credentials, I believe Mr. Wray has the right view of the job. During his hearing, he spoke of the work the FBI does with deep respect and praised the efforts of the FBI in keeping Americans safe. And he told us where his loyalties lie. He said that his loyalty “is to the Constitution and the rule of law.” He elaborated, “They have been my guideposts throughout my career, and I will continue to adhere to them no matter the test.”
Furthermore, he promised 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.” I take him at his word. I’m pleased to strongly support his nomination today.
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