(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) House Republicans are moving forward with legislation that would slash $1 billion in funding from the controversial Biden-era FBI.
A subcommittee within the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee passed the cuts in a contentious party-line vote, effectively defying a spending deal inked by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and President Joe Biden.
The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies aims to reduce FBI funding to levels seen in 2022, representing a 9% decrease, according to Fox News.
The proposed legislation primarily targets FBI salaries and expenses, imposing spending limits and forbidding politically sensitive investigations until a new independent body is established by the parent agency, DOJ.
The 148-page bill specifies that “politically sensitive investigations” include inquiries into elected officials or their family members, political candidates or their family members, political organizations, religious organizations, and members of the media.
Furthermore, Republicans have barred the FBI from using funds to compensate agents who retaliate against whistleblowers, including salaries, benefits, or bonuses.
Democrats, who have not been critical of the FBI’s recent work, strongly mourned the proposed cuts, claiming that the bill undermines conservatives’ promise to protect law enforcement, according to Fox.
During a meeting on Friday, Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., declared, “This bill defunds law enforcement and takes funding away from programs that create good jobs.”
This development comes on the heels of a scathing hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee, where FBI Director Christopher Wray faced intense scrutiny from Republicans regarding allegations of political bias within the bureau.
During the hearing, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed the concerns of constituents, stating, “The American people have lost faith in the FBI. All of our constituents are demanding that we get this situation under control, and we have to do that. That’s our responsibility. This is not a political party issue, sir. This is about whether the very system of justice in our country can be trusted anymore. Without that, no republic can survive.”
Wray, however, dismissed allegations of political bias, remarking, “The idea that I’m biased against conservatives seems somewhat insane to me, given my own personal background.”
