Democrats press FBI on Russia, possible Trump link

Comey says email investigation differs from current probe.

WASHINGTON — House Democrats still seething over FBI Director James Comey’s handling of the election-year inquiry of Hillary Clinton confronted the law enforcement officer over his refusal to say whether the FBI is investigating possible links between President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia.

The contentious, closeddoor session Friday reflected the frustration of Democrats who blame Comey’s statements and actions in part for Clinton’s loss to Trump. In July, Comey announced the findings of the FBI investigation that found Clinton’s use of a private email server was “extremely careless” but not criminal. Then, days before the Nov. 8 election, he sent two letters to Congress, one announcing a review of newly found emails and then another saying there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

The Justice Department inspector general announced last week that he is investigating Comey and the department’s handling of the affair.

Democrats and Republicans who attended the all-member briefing on Friday with Comey and senior intelligence officials said several lawmakers pressed Comey in a tense session about his refusal to say whether there is an examination of alleged contacts between members of the Trump campaign and Russia.

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, said the meeting was contentious but that Comey handled himself well under difficult circumstances.

Clearly frustrated with Comey was Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who was forced to resign as head of the Democratic National Committee after hacked emails surfaced that suggested the party operation favored Clinton over her primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders in the race for the nomination.

She confronted Comey, according to a Democrat who attended the briefing. And Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said he repeatedly asked Comey if he had applied a “double standard” in disclosing investigations. Comey has previously said his standard was based on whether there is a need to reassure the public about a possible high-profile probe.

“Do you believe that standard has been met with reference to the possible investigation of the Trump campaign’s possible connections to the Russian government? And if not, why not?” Nadler pressed. He said he told Comey that he should clarify whether the FBI is investigating, as he did with Clinton’s email probe.

According to Nadler, Comey responded that he didn’t think the situations were equivalent and said he couldn’t comment further.

“That’s what got many people in the room frustrated and upset,” Nadler said Saturday. “He was being very hypocritical.”

A declassified intelligence report released last week said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a hidden campaign to influence the election to favor Trump over Clinton, revelations that have roiled Washington.