GOP congressman calls DOJ memo “politically motivated abuse of power”



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Attorney General Merrick Garland’s memo calling for federal intervention to address violence and threats to state and local school board members continues to elicit a strong response from Republican lawmakers who say Garland’s words were dangerously vague and that his plans are beyond the scope of the FBI’s functions.

Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Wrote a letter to Garland on Tuesday, sharing his “grave concern” over the Attorney General’s plans, which were announced days after the National School Boards Association asked the administration Biden to use the Patriot Act and other measures to combat what they said was “the equivalent of a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.” Buck objected to this qualification and insisted that there was no legal basis for granting their request.

THE DOJ LAUNCHES AN EFFORT TO FIGHT THREATS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST SCHOOL LEADERS

“Increased engagement on the part of parents concerned with what their children are being taught does not result in federal crime,” Buck wrote. “In fact, there does not appear to be a sufficient federal connection to justify the guidelines outlined in your October 4 memorandum and your decision to direct federal law enforcement resources to confront parents who oppose the lawsuits. views of the Biden administration and its socialist agenda. Your memorandum is a politically motivated abuse of power and demonstrates a reasoned and healthy lack of judgment. “

Buck said parents have the right to come together and petition government agencies like school boards, especially at a time when hotly debated issues are involved, such as teaching critical breed theory. .

In its letter, the NSBA cited a few instances of violence, but also highlighted less serious events, such as when someone “prompted the board to request a recess due to opposition to the critical theory of race “and how, in states like New Jersey and Ohio,” anti-mask supporters incite chaos at board meetings. “

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The congressman acknowledged that there had been violent incidents, but maintained that they were “isolated” and ultimately “managed by local authorities without the need for federal intervention”.

“If the Federal Bureau of Investigation doesn’t have more pressing concerns than local debates over vaccine mandates and school curricula,” Buck said, “Congress should review its budget for waste.”

Fox News contacted the Justice Department for comment, but did not immediately respond.

Buck called on Garland to “turn the tide” and let state and local police “do their job” instead of involving the FBI and potentially causing a chilling effect that would prevent people from voicing their concerns.

“Using the resources of federal law enforcement to silence debate and intimidate parents who simply want the best for their children is unfair and constitutes an abuse of the powers entrusted to you,” he concluded.

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Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco was grilled on Garland’s memo during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday. She insisted the note was appropriate and would not violate people’s rights. She insisted the FBI would only investigate the violence and federal officials would not interfere with school board meetings.

“It’s not happening,” she said.

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