The riot at the Capitol is seen on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. | John Minchillo/AP Photo

By Jordain Carney

05/18/2023 05:11 PM EDT

If FBI officials thought a last-minute explanation invoking the Jan. 6 Capitol attack would cool House Republicans’ fervent accusations that the bureau retaliates against whistleblowers, they were wrong.

In a Thursday hearing by a panel investigating GOP claims of bias within the federal government, Republican lawmakers for the first time publicly aired testimony from FBI whistleblowers — who Democrats were quick to argue did not meet the definition to be classified as such — after saying for months that they have had dozens of people come forward to provide tips.

Only a day before, the bureau sent a letter to the committee, which was obtained by POLITICO, saying two of the GOP’s witnesses had their security clearances revoked due to improper actions related to Jan. 6, when a mob of pro-Trump supporters forced their way into the Capitol to disrupt the counting of electoral votes.

Democrats highlighted the letter repeatedly at the hearing, saying it was the latest sign of Republicans embracing the pro-Trump attack.

“My colleagues have brought in these former agents, men who lost their security clearances, because they were a threat to our national security. Who out of malice or ignorance or both have put partisan agenda above the oath they swore to serve this country,” said Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.), the top Democrat on the panel.

But the...

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