White House Warns House Democrats That Investigative Actions May Constitute Crimes

White House legal advisor Will Scharf warned incoming House Oversight Committee Chairman Robert Garcia that some of the investigations the committee is expected to undertake may violate the law. Scharf stated that congressional investigations must have a clear legislative purpose and accused Democrats of intending to harass rather than advance legitimate legislative goals. He pointed out that threats aimed at preventing executive branch officials from engaging in public service, or procedures taken to abuse process or intimidate recipients, could constitute outright criminal behavior. Garcia's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.