On the recordAugust 2, 2017
I wish to voice my support for Christopher Wray's confirmation to be the next Director of the FBI. After meeting with Mr. Wray and reviewing his record, I believe he possesses the independence and integrity necessary to lead the Bureau through this tumultuous period. This vacancy arose because President Trump abruptly fired then- Director James Comey. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Comey's firing are alarming and suspicious. Mr. Comey testified under oath that the President not only demanded his personal loyalty on numerous occasions but also intimated that Mr. Comey should stop investigating then- National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Mr. Wray will face numerous challenges as the new Director of the FBI. He will have to deal with a President who has shown a complete disregard for traditional protocols designed to ensure the agency's independence. During our meeting, Mr. Wray assured me that he would remain independent from the President and would reject any attempts by President Trump to inappropriately intervene in the work of the FBI. During our meeting, I also impressed upon Mr. Wray the importance of consolidating the FBI's staff in one building. The FBI has long outgrown its current space and the building is deteriorating, which compromises the agency's mission. I look forward to working with him to give FBI personnel the facilities they deserve. As Mr.…
