Congress shouldn’t accuse individuals like former FBI Director James Comey of crime — and is ill-equipped to investigate criminal charges, Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said Sunday.
In an interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation," Gowdy was asked if there were plans to investigate Comey for sharing personal memos, which President Donald Trump blasted as criminal.
"Congress is not well equipped to investigate crime,” Gowdy said. “I have complete confidence in (Department of Justice inspector general) Michael Horowitz … to investigate.”
“I never accused Comey of committing a crime. I accused him of doing things I don't agree with. But accusing someone of committing a crime? Congress shouldn't do that."
Gowdy also hedged on Trump’s declaration that he’s been vindicated by the conclusion of a House Intelligence Committee investigation and report.
“[B]est we can do is say what we've learned,” Gowdy said. “I can't say what's in the universe of witnesses we have not talked to. And I have always maintained I am awaiting the [special counsel Robert] Mueller investigation. They get to use a grand jury. They have investigative tools that we don't have.
“Executive branch investigations are better than congressional ones. So we found no evidence of collusion. Whether or not it exists or not, I can't speak to, because I haven't interviewed the full panoply of witnesses.”