Stefanik Secures FBI Disclosure Provision in Defense Bill Despite Feud with Speaker

Representative Elise Stefanik has announced securing key legislation within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision mandates the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to notify Congress when it initiates counterintelligence investigations targeting presidential and federal candidates.

“Following a productive discussion last night with President Trump and Speaker Johnson, the vital requirement for Congressional notification upon an FBI opening such specific probes into candidacy seekers will be part of the IAA/NDAA bill,” Stefanik confirmed in a Wednesday social media statement. She stressed this as a major legislative victory against perceived overreach.

Stefanik had previously voiced strong frustration regarding the omission of this measure, publicly clashing with Speaker Johnson. Accusations flew early on, with Stefanik suggesting deliberate obfuscation by the Speaker concerning the provision’s removal from earlier versions. “The deep state remains potent despite Republican control,” she alleged Monday, hinting at broader concerns.

In response to reports about his involvement or stance change, Speaker Johnson clarified he had no connection with the decision to exclude the proposal initially and reiterated support for its inclusion now as part of the final bill structure. He offered help understanding the process but maintained distance from past actions related to the measure.

The push for this disclosure stems directly from addressing concerns over surveillance targeting political figures. It specifically responds to lessons learned from the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which examined potential Russian election coordination links during Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Stefanik emphasized that while the current inclusion is positive progress, further action remains essential to counter unfounded intelligence activities against elected officials and ongoing foreign interference efforts impacting America’s political landscape.