Sen. Hirono Questions AG Bondi on DOJ Conduct, Comey Indictment, and Investigations

FISA Section 702 and Safeguards

• 💡 Senator Hirono inquired about Attorney General Pam Bondi's stance on adding safeguards to FISA Section 702, a critical tool for foreign intelligence.
• 🎯 Bondi affirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) takes individual rights seriously and incorporates statutory reforms with safeguards to protect civil liberties.

DOJ Independence and Presidential Influence

• ⚖️ Hirono questioned Bondi regarding the indictment of James Comey shortly after a presidential social media post about him, suggesting the DOJ was being used as the president's "law firm."
• 📌 Bondi stated that the DOJ looks forward to working with Congress on FISA matters and acknowledged the president's post was likely directed at her.

Investigation Closures and Prosecutorial Decisions

• 🔍 The discussion touched upon the closure of a bribery investigation into Tom Holman, with Bondi stating no credible evidence of wrongdoing was found after a thorough review.
• 🚫 Hirono also raised concerns about career prosecutors being fired, suggesting it was due to their work on cases involving President Trump or January 6th rioters, which Bondi declined to discuss due to personnel matters.

Compensation Fund for January 6th Rioters

• 🤝 Hirono asked if the DOJ was considering a compensation fund for January 6th rioters, similar to the post-9/11 fund.
• ❓ Bondi stated she had no meetings or discussions about such a fund and offered to review information if provided.

Antitrust Enforcement and Lobbying Influence

• 📈 Concerns were raised about lobbyists influencing DOJ decisions, specifically regarding a tech company merger and the Ticketmaster antitrust case.
• 🗣️ Bondi stated she would not discuss ongoing matters but defended the work of the antitrust unit.

Perceived DOJ Bias and "Department of Revenge"

• ⚡ Hirono concluded by characterizing the DOJ as a "Department of Revenge and Corruption," alleging favoritism towards the president's friends and fear-mongering towards perceived enemies.
• 🇺🇸 Bondi countered that the double standard was clear because Hirono did not complain for four years when President Trump was allegedly targeted by the previous Justice Department.