Story highlights "The fact pattern presented by Director Comey makes clear Secretary Clinton violated the law," Chaffetz said

"Congress and the American people have a right to understand the depth and breadth of the FBI's investigation," he added

Washington (CNN) FBI Director James Comey will testify before Congress Thursday to answer "important questions" about the Hillary Clinton email investigation and his recommendation that the Justice Department not prosecute the former Secretary of State even though classified information was found on her private email server.

While he criticized her conduct and called her handling of sensitive information "extremely careless," Comey's decision not to recommend charges against Clinton or her aides has been roundly criticized by Republicans.

"The FBI's recommendation is surprising and confusing," Rep. Jason Chaffetz said Wednesday in a statement. "The fact pattern presented by Director Comey makes clear Secretary Clinton violated the law. Individuals who intentionally skirt the law must be held accountable. Congress and the American people have a right to understand the depth and breadth of the FBI's investigation. I thank Director Comey for accepting the invitation to publicly answer these important questions."

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