(CNN) Key Democratic lawmakers are calling on the State Department's watchdog to conduct an "immediate review" of personnel practices after a number of employees told CNN they were unlawfully targeted for political reasons due to their work under the last administration. The employees had been reassigned from their areas of expertise to help clear the backlog of Freedom of Information Act requests, which Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has designated as a priority. The employees regarded the move as retaliation. "At the very least, this is a waste of taxpayer dollars. At worst it may constitute impermissible abuse and retaliation," the letter read.

Source: CNN January 27, 2018 22:30 UTC