Sen. John McCain is demanding answers regarding an ongoing FBI investigation of former CIA Director David Petraeus, suggesting the agency is dragging its feet and unfairly leaving the Congress in the dark.
In a letter sent Tuesday to Attorney General Eric Holder, McCain says he is concerned a probe surrounding an alleged extramarital affair by Petraeus apparently remains unresolved after almost two years and that the only information that has come to light is through anonymous leaks within the intelligence community.
“Without commenting on the underlying merits or anticipating the outcome of the investigation, I can conclude this is a circumstance in which the principle of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is certainly at play,” the Arizona Republican wrote. “This matter needs to be brought to resolution.”
McCain also told Holder that since “you and others within your department have weighed-in publicly on the case raises questions about whether this investigation is being handled in a fundamentally fair and appropriate manner.”
The FBI, which is under the authority of the Justice Department, is investigating harassing emails sent by Petraeus biographer Paula Broadwell to a second woman in 2012 while he was serving as CIA director. Petraeus resigned after the probe revealed he was having an affair with Broadwell.
McCain said Petraeus has “unique expertise and insight” on defense and national security matters, and suggested that the ongoing nature of the investigation could compromise national security.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s security, Congress and the American people cannot afford to have [Petraeus’] voice silenced or curtailed by the shadow of a long-running, unresolved investigation marked by leaks from anonymous sources,” he said.
The senator added he wasn’t seeking action from the Justice Department on behalf of any “particular interest.”
“[I] don’t presume to judge the outcome of any investigation, but ask only that this matter be resolved in a fair and timely manner consistent with all existing rules and guidelines,” he said.
