loretta lynch james comey
© Alex Wong, Getty ImagesAttorney General Loretta Lynch (R) speaks as FBI Director James Comey (L) listens during a news conference for announcing a law enforcement action March 24, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch have been issued subpoenas to testify early next month before the House Judiciary Committee, according to media reports.

Committee chair, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., wants Comey to testify Dec. 3 and Lynch to testify Dec. 4. The testimony would be taken in private before committee members, reported POLITICO and CNN. It would take place only weeks before Democrats take power over the influential committee.

Goodlatte and other Republicans have alleged bias at the FBI and Justice Department against President Donald Trump and in favor of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. They have said their case was underscored by the release of a report by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who uncovered anti-Trump messages by FBI officials involved in the Russia investigation and the investigation of Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

The subpoenas for Comey and Lynch were issued Wednesday by Goodlatte.

Comey, via Twitter on Thursday, said he wants his testimony to be taken in a public hearing - not privately.

"Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. I'm still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a "closed door" thing because I've seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Let's have a hearing and invite everyone to see," said Comey.


David Kelley, Comey's lawyer later issued a statement saying that Comey "will resist in court this abuse of process," according to The Associated Press.


Comment: James Comey is not in a position to be dictating anything.

Trump fired Comey in May 2017 following a tumultuous tenure marked by political controversies ranging from the Trump campaign's alleged connections to Russia to Clinton's handling of classified emails.

Democrats, who won control of the House following the midterm elections, will take over the chairmanship of the committee in January. Goodlatte announced earlier this year he is retiring from Congress.
Sergio Bustos joined USA Today in July 2018. He previously worked as an editor at POLITICO Florida and the Miami Herald. Before becoming an editor, he was a reporter for two decades at newspapers large and small. He's worked at the Staunton, Va., Daily News Leader, the Wilmington, Del., News-Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also was a Washington correspondent for Gannett News Service.