Hillary Clinton avoids charges on emails

Lynch made a statement on Wednesday saying she had met with Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey and the prosecutors and agents who had investigated whether Clinton broke the law as a result of email servers kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state.

"I received and accepted their unanimous recommendation that the thorough yearlong investigation be closed and that no charges be brought against any individuals within the scope of the investigation," Lynch said.

Clinton's campaign welcomed the news, with spokesman Brian Fallon tweeting that the case was "resolved:"

Comey had rebuked Clinton for "extremely careless" behavior in her handling of classified emails as secretary of state, but declared on Tuesday that "no charges are appropriate" in the case.

Republican objections

Republicans have summoned Comey to Capitol Hill to answer their questions on Thursday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said panel chairman Jason Chaffetz, of Utah.

"The FBI's recommendation is surprising and confusing," Chaffetz said. "The fact pattern presented by Director Comey makes clear Secretary Clinton violated the law. Individuals who intentionally skirt the law must be held accountable."

"There are a lot of questions that have to be answered. And so we're going to be asking those questions," House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters. "We have seen nothing but stonewalling and dishonesty from Secretary Clinton on this issue, and that means there are a lot more questions that need to be answered."

Democrats have objected to Chaffetz's decision to bring Comey before his committee. Brian Fallon, attacked the hearing as "another taxpayer-funded sham."

jbh/jm (AP, dpa)