House Speaker Paul Ryan criticized the FBI’s decision not to recommend criminal prosecution against Hillary Clinton for keeping a private email system while she was secretary of state, and said “damage is being done to the rule of law” by letting her off the hook.
“While I respect the law enforcement professionals at the FBI, this announcement defies explanation,” Ryan said in a statement. “No one should be above the law. But based upon the director’s own statement, it appears damage is being done to the rule of law. Declining to prosecute Secretary Clinton for recklessly mishandling and transmitting national security information will set a terrible precedent.”
“The findings of this investigation also make clear that Secretary Clinton misled the American people when she was confronted with her criminal actions,” he added. “While we need more information about how the bureau came to this recommendation, the American people will reject this troubling pattern of dishonesty and poor judgment.”
“Every investigation thus far makes one conclusion abundantly clear: Secretary Clinton’s fundamental lack of judgment and wanton disregard for protecting and keeping information confidential raises continued questions about the exposure of our nation’s diplomatic and national security secrets,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., added.
