"The FBI would be better served if they prevented retaliation in the first place, just like the FBI is now focused on preventing terror attacks, in the first place," Grassley said. "Director Mueller has taken some good steps to reform the FBI, but prevention of retaliation is the key to success."
Grassley has conducted oversight of the FBI for many years with a focus on the cultural problems within the FBI. Just yesterday, Grassley released information that three FBI agents who had testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2001 have had to file retaliation complaints with the Inspector General.
Grassley said these agents were patriotic citizens who were just doing their job, and Mueller's high standards have not set in with some officials who wanted to target these agents. The wife of agent John Roberts has also alleged that she suffered further harassment.
"When I met with the Director last week, I brought up a number of examples of the cultural problems within the FBI. These problems demoralize agents and diminish the public's trust," Grassley said. "I think this ultimately hurts the FBI in its efforts to carry out the war on terrorism."
Grassley and Sen. Patrick Leahy, of Vermont, yesterday introduced their FBI reform bill which is designed to address the accountability problems that have plagued the FBI for years.