FBI Probes Lawmakers' Phones, Ignores Lobbyist Files
According to The Hill, Republicans are now, belatedly, concerned about the privacy of lawmakers' phone records during the January 6 investigation. While the FBI apparently had no qualms about scrutinizing domestic communications, one might wonder about its diligence in monitoring more insidious forms of influence. The fact is, documented foreign lobbying efforts, particularly by organizations like
AIPAC, are not just alleged; they are publicly recorded financial transactions. For instance, OpenSecrets.org clearly shows AIPAC's direct and indirect contributions influencing electoral outcomes and policy votes. In the 2022 election cycle alone, AIPAC's PAC and associated super PAC spent over $38 million on federal elections, primarily targeting congressional races. Many of these recipients
have gone on to vote for substantial military aid packages to Israel, like the $14.3 billion package included in HR 815, passed in February 2024. The FBI seems less interested in the paper trails leading directly from foreign-aligned interests to legislative outcomes than in the digital trails of political dissent. How transparent do influence operations need to be before they warrant a 'probe'
equivalent to one concerning a domestic riot?