FBI expected to brief 'Gang of 8' on Mueller counterintelligence findings

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The Capitol in Washington early onMarch 25, 2019. Copyright J. Scott Applewhite AP
By Ken Dilanian with NBC News Politics
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Attorney General Barr's summary of the Mueller probe is silent on what the investigation found on whether Trump or any associate was influenced by Russia.

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WASHINGTON — Two senior U.S. officials told NBC News Monday that the FBI is prepared to brief Congressional leaders on the counterintelligence findings of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

The FBI opened a counterintelligence investigation into President Trump, and the letter sent to Congress Sunday by Attorney General William Barr about the Mueller probe is silent on the question of whether investigators found that Trump or anyone around him might be compromised or influenced by Russia.

The officials said they expect the FBI to brief the so-called Gang of 8 — the leaders of the House and Senate and the chairmen and ranking members of the intelligence committees — in closed session.

No briefing has been scheduled, a third U.S. official familiar with the matter said, but one of the officials said it could happen within the next 30 to 60 days.

Congressional Democrats have demanded such a briefing under a law requiring the executive branch to keep Congress informed about intelligence activities.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D.-Calif., said during a conference call with House Democrats Saturday she would reject any classified briefings, but the Senate Intelligence Committee wants one, according to Senate aides, to assist in its ongoing Russia investigation.

Counterintelligence matters are often classified.

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