Sen. Grassley Asks Why Probe Into Clinton Aide Not Disclosed

Abedin serves a top role in Clinton’s front-running 2016 presidential campaign and was her deputy chief of staff during Clinton’s time as secretary of State.

When questioned about a third of the payment deemed improper by investigators, Abedin blamed the overpayments on her husband, former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner. Title: Former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. Grassley has zeroed in on Abedin’s compensation and leave practices by the State Department and has exchanged critical letters with her attorneys.

The State Department’s inspector general was investigating whether Abedin took proper leave on the trip and later on maternity leave.

Abedin was given a “special government employee” designation in 2012, which allowed her to work simultaneously for the State Department, the Clinton Foundation and a consulting firm with close ties to the Clintons called Teneo Strategies. The inquiry is now being taken up as an administrative claim that Abedin was over compensated by about $10,000. They are also contesting the IG report at the State Department, arguing that Abedin routinely worked for the government even while on leave or vacation.

She admitted to taking a “babymoon” vacation in addition to maternity leave while she was pregnant with Weiner’s child – but she billed the government for working during both periods of time. “Anything beyond that is the product of partisan leaks with a clear agenda”. “There is a review ongoing”.

Grassley noted that last month, Abedin’s lawyer Miguel Rodriguez told CNN, “There is no criminal investigation and never has been” – something apparently contradicted by the IG’s letter.

Abedin’s attorneys did not respond to a request for comment.

Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) told reporters on Thursday that Abedin would appear before a closed-door meeting of the committee at some point before Clinton’s public testimony on October 22. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“My husband handles all the finances in our household”, Abedin said. “I did ask my husband to look up our bank statements, and we did have a deposit”.