At the risk of a different opinion, it may be possible the judges on the FISA court are waiting for the release of the IG’s report.
The Court, in and of itself, doesn’t have the ability to conduct investigations and since the DOJ is already looking into FISA abuse, it would be easier to take the report, call in those who the report states committed perjury in the affidavit and then have the contempt hearing.
Unless the court has independent verification of FISA abuse, how can the judges act?
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Yes, that is indeed a possibility and thank you for the reasoned feedback.
Assuming you are correct would it not be reassuring for the FISA court to at least say something along the lines of:
"We view recent reports in the media relating to the validity of certain FISA requests with great concern and will closely review associated findings from the DOJ in a timely manner and implement corrective actions, if necessary."
Or words to that effect...something to show an awareness of potential "process problems" and a modicum of concern about potential abuses. Although the court is secretive, that does not absolve it of any accountability.
While their silence may be prudent, it is at the same time very disturbing to freedom loving Americans and calls into question the court's integrity which is not good for the court or the country.
Public opinions (and distrust) are being formed in the interim because silence is often seen as consent. It also comes at a time when a majority of Americans are losing faith in government (e.g., look at congress' extremely low approval ratings).
The court's function is of the utmost importance to this country and it is incumbent on them to reassure the public that the court functions under the highest standards of integrity. Just my humble opinion.