U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley announced on Apr. 21 the release of new records revealing details about “Operation Rampart Twelve,” an FBI investigation that targeted several Republican Members of Congress. The documents show that the FBI obtained phone toll records for some lawmakers, despite concerns from Justice Department prosecutors about whether legal requirements were met. The investigation was closed a year later after failing to find credible evidence.
The topic is significant because it raises questions about how federal law enforcement agencies conduct investigations involving elected officials and whether proper procedures are followed when sensitive information is collected.
Grassley said the newly released materials also reveal coordination between the Biden White House and Fani Willis’ Fulton County District Attorney’s Office during Willis’ criminal probe into former President Trump. He released these documents alongside Senators Ron Johnson and Eric Schmitt during a Judiciary subcommittee hearing focused on related matters.
In his statement, Grassley said, “Today, just like the other hearings, we’re making new records public. These are more records the Democrats wanted to hide.” He further stated, “They were literally trying to destroy it.”
The documents include text messages between prosecutors J.P. Cooney and Molly Gaston expressing doubts about allegations against Representatives Lauren Boebert and Paul Gosar before opening the investigation. For example, Gaston wrote: “Say for the sake of argument that we did want to look at lauren boebert (i don’t think we do).” Later exchanges discussed Capitol video footage that appeared not to support claims against Boebert.
According to Grassley, “Within months of opening Rampart Twelve…the FBI apparently had nothing substantiating the allegations against Boebert and Gosar.” He cited a May 2021 draft briefing showing no evidence linking them to aiding those who entered the Capitol on January 6 or identifying their accusers in reviewed footage.
Grassley also highlighted internal discussions among prosecutors about statutory barriers for obtaining congressional toll records and efforts to work around them: Cooney wrote, “I’m re-reading this statutory language this is ridiculous,” while Gaston responded she would prefer litigation first.
Grassley concluded by saying these actions demonstrate partisan use of investigations against Republican lawmakers: “All these records…show partisan prosecutors and FBI agents used dubious allegations to pursue political investigations against Republican Members of Congress.”
Grassley has served in public office since his time in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958 through 1974 according to his official website. His background includes factory work as a sheet metal shearer and assembly line worker according to his official website, as well as degrees in political science from the University of Northern Iowa according to his official website. Married since 1954 with five children according to his official website, he continues raising corn and soybeans in Butler County as one of only two farmers currently serving in the Senate according to his official website. Grassley’s office assists Iowans with issues involving federal agencies and whistleblowers according to his official website.
