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(FOX)- House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz suggested Thursday that the FBI’s decision not to pursue charges against Hillary Clinton despite her mishandling of classified information represents a “double standard,” as he kicked off a highly anticipated hearing with FBI Director James Comey.
Chaffetz, R-Utah, said he was “mystified” by the FBI conclusion not to recommend prosecution.
“It seems to a lot of us that the average Joe … if they had done what you laid out in your statement, that they’d be in handcuffs,” Chaffetz said. “And I think there is a legitimate concern that there is a double standard — if your name isn’t Clinton or you’re not part of the powerful elite, that lady justice will act differently.”
Chaffetz voiced concern that there “does seem to be no consequence.”
Comey is testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, just two days after the FBI announcement.
The hearing comes as Republicans turn up the pressure on both Comey and Clinton in the wake of the FBI recommendation not to pursue charges in the email case. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, after receiving Comey’s recommendation, on Wednesday declared the investigation over with no criminal charges issued.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., now wants Comey to release all of the unclassified findings from the agency’s investigation.
“Right now, there are simply too many unanswered questions,” Ryan wrote in a letter to Comey. “… The American people deserve to know exactly what your investigation uncovered and why the FBI came to the decision to recommend that no criminal charges be brought against Secretary Clinton.”