(CNN) The Senate committee chairman who's leading the probe into the origins of the FBI's Russia investigation is asking for broad authorization to issue subpoenas to a number of top former Obama administration officials, including former FBI Director James Comey. The list of 35 officials who could be subpoenaed for records and testimony includes many top national security and law enforcement officials from the Obama administration. "I am asking for this authority to ensure the committee has the ability to quickly and efficiently seek compulsory process should it become necessary." The last time Comey was subpoenaed by a Republican-led chamber of Congress, he challenged it in court , until he negotiated to testify voluntarily. It's possible that former Obama administration officials could adopt similar tactics, turning the tables on Republicans by trying to protect executive decision-making from congressional investigations and even judicial review.

Source: CNN May 29, 2020 01:52 UTC