WASHINGTON — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) continues to spearhead high-profile investigations into federal agencies and former intelligence officials, marking a combative start to the legislative week. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Jordan intensified his oversight efforts, focusing on criminal referrals and the elimination of sanctuary city policies.
Jordan Presses AG Bondi on Brennan Perjury Referral
During a fiery hearing on Wednesday, Chairman Jordan questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding a criminal referral alleging that former CIA Director John Brennan committed perjury. The referral, sent by the House Judiciary Committee, claims Brennan lied to Congress regarding the Steele Dossier and its role in intelligence assessments.
Attorney General Bondi confirmed that the Department of Justice has received the referral. Jordan’s line of questioning sought to determine if the DOJ would pursue a formal indictment, a move that would signal a significant shift in the department’s approach to former high-ranking intelligence officials. The hearing was marked by tension, with several Democratic members reportedly walking out in protest over the line of inquiry and the handling of sensitive files.
New Legislative Push Against Sanctuary Cities
Beyond the hearing room, Jordan has launched a new offensive against “sanctuary cities,” identifying them as a primary driver of recent immigration-related clashes. The Ohio Republican is advocating for federal measures to eliminate these jurisdictions, arguing that they undermine national security and public safety.
“Sanctuary cities are at the root of today’s violent immigration clashes,” Jordan stated, signaling that the Judiciary Committee will prioritize legislation to defund or penalize cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Ongoing Investigations: Ilhan Omar and Arctic Frost
In addition to his focus on the DOJ and immigration, Jordan confirmed that his committee is actively pursuing several other probes, including:
- The “Arctic Frost” Investigation: A deep dive into federal resource management and potential overreach.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar Probe: An inquiry into the finances of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar and her husband.
- Epstein Files: Continued pressure on the DOJ to release full documentation related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Political Background and 2026 Outlook
Jim Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus and a former four-time state wrestling champion from Ohio, has solidified his role as one of the most influential conservatives in Congress. Since taking the gavel of the Judiciary Committee, he has focused heavily on “weaponization” of the federal government and free speech issues.
As the 2026 midterm election cycle approaches, Jordan remains a central figure in the Republican platform. While he faces a general election on November 3, 2026, his primary focus remains on his chairmanship and his alignment with the current administration’s “mandatory detention” policies for migrants, which recently secured a major legal victory in federal court.
Critics, however, continue to label Jordan’s tactics as “performative.” Recent public discourse on platforms like Reddit and in national magazines has highlighted concerns from opponents regarding his handling of whistleblower testimony and his role in the events surrounding the 2020 election. Despite this, Jordan’s base in Ohio’s 4th district remains strong as he continues to champion fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention.