Attorney general vows to "move swiftly" amid uproar over seizure of lawmakers' data

Washington — Attorney General Merrick Garland pledged Monday he would "move swiftly" to take action in response to an investigation by the Justice Department's inspector general into an effort by the department during the Trump administration to obtain communications data from members of Congress and congressional staff.

In a statement, Garland said there are "important questions that must be resolved in connection" with the move by the Justice Department as it sought to determine the source of leaks of classified information about aides to then-President Donald Trump and their contacts with Russia. "I have accordingly directed that the matter be referred to the Inspector General and have full confidence that he will conduct a thorough and independent investigation," Garland said. "If at any time as the investigation proceeds action related to the matter in question is warranted, I will not hesitate to move swiftly."