James Comey wants a federal judge to reject a subpoena he got from House Republicans asking for closed-door testimony about the FBI's decision-making leading up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
The former FBI director's legal team filed a motion Thursday to throw out the congressional subpoena. His lawyers argue it "exceeds a proper legislative purpose, is issued in violation of House rules, and unduly prejudices and harasses the witness."
After receiving the subpoena, Comey tweeted that he would be "happy to sit in the light and answer all questions," but he would "resist a 'closed door' thing."
Thursday's filing echoed that sentiment and asked the court to intervene to prevent anyone from using a private interview to "peddle a distorted, partisan political narrative...through selective leaks."
As Newsy previously reported, the move is part of a joint investigation into the FBI and DOJ's actions during the 2016 election. Specifically, House Republicans are looking into the handling of the Hillary Clinton email and Russia probes, but their investigation will stop when Democrats take control of the House in January.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
