Jordan/Gaetz Letter To FBI
Uploaded by
Washington ExaminerJordan/Gaetz Letter To FBI
Uploaded by
Washington ExaminerJune 1, 2022
The Honorable Christopher A. Wray
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20535
Dear Director Wray:
We write to request information to assist the Committee’s continued oversight of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) actions and decision-making related to the handling of
debunked claims about President Trump, his campaign, and presidential transition. We have
learned that since March 2012, the FBI approved and facilitated a Secure Work Environment at
Perkins Coie’s Washington, D.C. office, which continues to be operational. In a letter dated May
25, 2022, the law firm confirmed and acknowledged the arrangement.1
We have been informed that former Perkins Coie partner Michael Sussmann had access
to this Secure Work Environment, and during the course of his recent trial it was disclosed he
had special badge access to FBI headquarters.2 Given the allegations related to Sussmann and
Perkins Coie’s partner Marc Elias and their roles with the presidential campaign of Secretary
Hillary Clinton, this information raises serious questions about the FBI and Perkins Coie’s
arrangement of a Secure Work Environment as well as the FBI’s close relationship with the
firm’s former partners. We have learned that Sussmann had access to this Secure Work
Environment until some point in 2021, with limited supervised access thereafter. Within a
General Services Administration-approved security container and key locker, the Secure Work
Environment has an FBI-owned secure telephone, a fax machine, and a security token card.
1
Letter from Michael D. Bopp, Counsel for Perkins Coie LLP, to Reps. Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz, H. Jud. Comm
(May 25, 2022).
2
See Post Editorial Board, How FBI bigwig aided and abetted Hillary Clinton plot, N.Y. POST (May 19, 2022);
Jerry Dunleavy, FBI opened Alfa-Bank inquiry based on 'referral' from DOJ — but it came from Sussmann, WASH.
EXAMINER (May 23, 2022); Andrew C. McCarthy, In the Sussmann Trial, What a Difference a Text Makes, NAT’L.
REVIEW (May 19, 2022). (Text messages between Michael Sussmann and then-general counsel James Baker on
September 18, 2016: Mr. Sussmann “Jim [Baker] – It’s Michael Sussmann. I have something time-sensitive (and
sensitive) I need to discuss. Do you have availability for a short meeting tomorrow? I’m coming on behalf of a client
or company – want to help the Bureau. Thanks.” Mr. Baker. “Ok. I will find a time. What might work for you?” Mr.
Sussmann. “Any time but lunchtime – you name it.” Mr. Baker. “200pm at my office? Do you have a badge or do
you need help getting into the building?” Mr. Sussmann. “I have a badge. Please remind me of your room #?”).
The Honorable Christopher A. Wray
June 1, 2022
Page 2
To assist us with our continued oversight work, please provide the following documents
and information:
1. All documents and communications referring or relating to the establishment,
maintenance, and accreditation of the Secure Work Environment at Perkins
Coie’s Washington, D.C. office location, for the period of January 1, 2016, to
December 1, 2021;
2. All documents and communications between or among the FBI for the period of
January 1, 2016, to December 1, 2021, referring or relating to Michael Sussmann;
3. An explanation as to why the FBI approved a Secure Work Environment at
Perkins Coie’s Washington, D.C. office location;
4. An explanation as to the FBI’s relationship with Michael Sussmann, for the
period of January 1, 2016, to December 1, 2021, including:
a. When did the FBI provide Michael Sussmann an FBI badge with special
access to its headquarters;
b. Why did the FBI provide Michael Sussmann an FBI badge to access its
headquarters;
c. A list of all FBI employees who met with Michael Sussmann, for the
period January 1, 2016, to December 1, 2021, at FBI headquarters,
including dates and times;
d. Whether the FBI provided Michael Sussmann access to any of its
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities to review any classified
information and sensitive law-enforcement information; and
5. Since the September 2021 federal indictment of Michael Sussmann, and his
subsequent resignation from Perkins Coie, whether the FBI continues its
arrangement of this Secure Work Environment at Perkins Coie’s Washington,
D.C. office location.
Please provide this information as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 p.m. on June
15, 2022. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Judiciary Committee staff
at (202) 225-6906. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jim Jordan Matt Gaetz
Ranking Member Member of Congress
The Honorable Christopher A. Wray
June 1, 2022
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cc: The Honorable Jerrold L. Nadler
Chairman
