WASHINGTON — Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash called on Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to resign on Wednesday after a week of revelations surrounding the National Security Agency's widespread surveillance of Americans.
"It now appears clear that the director of national intelligence, James Clapper, lied under oath to Congress and the American people," Amash wrote on his Facebook. "Members of Congress can't make informed decisions on intelligence issues when the head of the intelligence community willfully makes false statements. Perjury is a serious crime. Mr. Clapper should resign immediately."
Clapper's testimony before Congress in March has led to questions over whether he may have flatly lied about the NSA's data-mining programs. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, asked Clapper if the NSA "collects any type of data at all on millions or hundreds of millions of Americans?" Clapper answered, "No sir...not wittingly."
Last week, Amash's office circulated a letter among other members of Congress that demanded more answers from the administration about the spying program. The letter was sent to the FBI and NSA.
"The President has full faith in Director Clapper and his leadership of the Intelligence Community," National Security Council spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said when asked about Amash's statement.