Harman calls for release of tape transcripts

Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) asked Attorney General Eric Holder today to release all transcripts and materials relating to her reported appearence on a government wiretap.

CQ reported yesterday that Harman was recorded promising to intervene in a federal case on behalf of two former employees of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in return AIPAC helping Harman become Chairwoman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Here’s Harman’s letter to Holder:

The Honorable Eric Holder

Attorney General

Department of Justice

Washington, DC 20530

Dear General Holder:

I am outraged to learn from reports leaked to the media over the last several days that the FBI or NSA secretly wiretapped my conversations in 2005 or 2006 while I was Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee.

This abuse of power is outrageous and I call on your Department to release all transcripts and other investigative material involving me in an unredacted form. It is my intention to make this material available to the public.

I also urge you to take appropriate steps to investigate possible wiretapping of other Members of Congress and selective leaks of investigative material which can be used for political purposes. As you know, it is entirely appropriate to converse with advocacy organizations and constituent groups, and I am concerned about a chilling effect on other elected officials who may find themselves in my situation.

Let me be absolutely clear: I never contacted the Department of Justice, the White House or anyone else to seek favorable treatment regarding the national security cases on which I was briefed, or any other cases. You may be aware that David Szady, the FBI’s former top counterintelligence official, is quoted in the media saying of me “…in all my dealings with her, she was always professional and never tried to intervene or get in the way of any investigation.”

Sincerely,

JANE HARMAN