Amid Criticisms, Cornyn Reiterates Support for FBI and DOJ

Recently on the Senate floor, I highlighted the critical work done by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), particularly in Austin, TX following the recent package bombings, and the importance of standing behind the agency. Excerpts of my remarks are below, and video of my remarks can be found here.  

This is our nation's premier law enforcement agency, and I want to speak about the men and women who distinguish it.

So much of what we’ve heard about the FBI and the Department of Justice recently has been caught up in the emotions and the drama here in Washington.

All of that I want to contrast with what I experienced recently back home in Austin where my wife and I live. I was there during and after the series of five bombings that detonated in packages across the city.

I'm sure that it was those agents' methodical investigative work, combined with the work of their state and local partners, that that was a big reason why the alleged bomber didn't wreak even more havoc in the Texas capital.

For the rank and file men and women who work at the FBI, I think it is important for us to send a clear and emphatic message here in the United States Senate. We appreciate everything you do to protect the public safety and secure the public trust.

These days it’s important that our appreciation for the bureau not get drowned out by the criticism.

It’s important that we let the men and women of the FBI know that we stand behind their detail-oriented approach to enforcing and upholding the law, that we support the FBI's doing the right thing in the right way and pursuing the facts and the evidence independently and objectively wherever they lead.