(CNN) – Republican House Speaker John Boehner called dangerous Thursday a request from members of his own party in Congress to investigate Muslim infiltration in the U.S. government.
Admitting he had not read a letter requesting the investigation, Boehner said "I think accusations like this being thrown around are pretty dangerous."
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, along with four other Republican members of Congress, formally requested in June that various federal agencies investigate whether the American government has been infiltrated by Muslim extremists.
Among the issues they raise is a claim that long-time aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, has three family members connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, and is at risk of being influenced by her family members. The members of Congress want to know how she holds a high level security clearance.
On Thursday, Boehner said he did not know Abedin, but that "everything I do know of her she has a sterling character."
Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain made a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday criticizing the call for an investigation and defending Abedin.
"These allegations about Huma, and the report from which they are drawn, are nothing less than an unwarranted and unfounded attack on an honorable woman, a dedicated American, and a loyal public servant," McCain said.
"When anyone, not least a member of Congress, launches specious and degrading attacks against fellow Americans on the basis of nothing more than fear of who they are and ignorance of what they stand for, it defames the spirit of our nation, and we all grow poorer because of it," he added.
State Department spokesman Phillipe Reines called the accusations "nothing but vicious and disgusting lies," in a statement to CNN.
Bachmann, who refused to answer questions from CNN about the letter on Wednesday, said in a statement that her and her colleagues' request was being "distorted."
"I encourage everyone, including media outlets, to read them in their entirety," Bachmann wrote. "The intention of the letters was to outline the serious national security concerns I had and ask for answers to questions regarding the Muslim Brotherhood and other radical group's access to top Obama administration officials."
CNN's Kate Bolduan contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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bachmann is just plain stupid or crazy. how did this woman get into office?
For once, Boehner got something right. This woman is DANGEROUS, as is any and every Tea Party member and most Republicans these days.
Then do something about it Mr. Speaker instead of acting like there is nothing you can do...he is the WEAKEST Speaker of the House EVER! Save your party before it is taken over by the American version of Al-Queida who willl take us back to 1832.
These "lawmakers" are anti-american. To say that huma might be connected is laughable. What fools.
I looked up the term FLAKE in the dictionary and there it was, a picture of Michele Bachmann!!
Really Minnesota! Did you really vote for this wingnut. Are you embarrased yet or will you continue to vote for your party over common sense? C'mon. Grow up!
"On Thursday, Boehner said he did not know Abedin, but that "everything I do know of her she has a sterling character."... unlike Boehner, Bachmann and all the other repuks NO positive CHARACTER what-so-ever.
Bing in the Clowns
Bachmann and Gohmert are un-american lunatics.
Wasn't she running for president? I can't even begin to think how scary all this is.
well, i may not like her, but her letter actually asks some valid questions. I don't think it's an unreasonable letter, even if I don't agree with all of her personal beliefs or fears.
Oh, great. Now we'll have the House Un-Christian Activities Committee. "Are you now, or have you ever been a a member of a mosque?"
At the very least this woman should be censured by the House for going public with these types of allegations. Somewhere out there Joe McCarthy is applauding all of this. God help us all.
To live your life in fear is an awful thing. Thankfully she will not be president.
Thank you Ms. Bachmann for distracting the public from Romney's campaign on economic issues. Boehner has to be concerned that your ridiculous accusations will hurt the GOP/Tea Party in November.
This demagogue nut needs to resign. Her AND her littel cadre of imbeciles. The only "terror babies" I've seen in the past 4 years are white, full of spite and none too bright.
waiting to hear Sarah chime in on this
Michele Bachmann is someone who WASTES a seat in Congress and has done NOTHING the whole entire time she has been there. She is a DISGRACE to the state of Minnesota and to the GOP party. Michele is more interested in running her mouth and making statements that she doesn't have proof to back up her claims. I hope the people of the 6th district in Minnesota WISE UP and VOTE HER OUT OF OFFICE. Also, didn't she proudly claim her Iowan roots while "running" for president?
A member of the muslim brotherhood and she is married to a jew! Bachman is a genious
A muslim brotherhood member and she is married to a jew! Bachman is a genious
I'd like to start a through investigation of Christian extremists in teh U.S. goverment, and the detriment they may cause to our society and to our national security. Let's start with you, Ms. Bachmann...
This chick and her buddies need to be investigated for their affiliation to the skin heads or KKK.
Bachmann needs to be censured and removed from Congress before we suffer through another McCarthy style witch hunt.
She is far more dangerous than even Sarah Palin. With Sarah it was not being so bright that made her dangerous but Bachman have no doubt about it is very smart, deranged cookoo but very smart which makes her far more dangerous..
How did she get into office? What – you think there's a shortage of stupid crazy people in this country?