U.S. lawmakers criticized FBI on Monday for not notifying the Congressional intelligence panel for probe of former CIA director David Petraeus's scandal.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told MSNBC that she thought the FBI's handling of Petraeus's scandal was "a mistake."

"This is certainly an operationally sensitive matter. But we weren't briefed," said Feinstein.

Petraeus's announcement of resignation last Friday after confessing to an extramarital relationship shocked Washington. Media reports over the weekend also found that the FBI began investigating the case after a female friend of Petraeus family complained to law enforcement about receiving anonymous and threatening emails. The FBI investigator traced the emails to Paula Broadwell, Petraeus's biographer and then discovered as his girlfriend.

Feinstein said her concern about the case had escalated over the last few days as more details popped up. "It's been like peeling an onion. Every day, another peel comes off, and you see a whole new dimension to this," said her.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will investigate why the FBI failed to alert the panel immediately about Petraeus's scandal, said Feinstein.

Earlier, Feinstein told Fox News on Sunday the news of Petraeus 's resignation came like "a lightening bolt" and his scandal could have had an effect of national security.

Republican Congressman Peter King, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, also said on Monday the probe of " someone out there in such a sensitive position" should have been brought to the president or National Security Council.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday accepted the resignation of David Petraeus. Although his statement did not address the reason of resignation, Obama said his "thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Holly Petraeus" and wish them "the very best at this difficult time."

Petraeus has resigned after admitting an extramarital affair. " After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours," he said in the statement. "This afternoon, the president graciously accepted my resignation."

The retired four-star general, who served over 37 years in the U.S. Army, took the office as the Director of CIA in September, 2011. He had overseen all coalition forces in Iraq and led the military campaign in Afghanistan. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)