An angry Dianne Feinstein , the Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman , warned again Monday she would investigate why the FBI did not notify oversight committees about its investigation into CIA Director David Petraeus after the bureau determined he was having a secret and risky extramarital affair . `` ... A decision was made somewhere not to brief us , which is atypical , '' the California Democrat told NBC 's Andrea Mitchell about how the top Democrats and Republicans on the House and Senate intelligence committees are usually briefed on key developments . `` This is certainly an operationally sensitive matter . But we were n't briefed . I do n't know who made that decision . '' Opinion : How Petraeus courted the press . Section 501 of the National Security Act of 1947 spells out the requirements for the executive branch to inform the congressional intelligence committees of key intelligence-related activities . `` The president shall ensure that the congressional intelligence committees are kept fully and currently informed on the intelligence activities of the United States , including any significant anticipated intelligence activity as required by this title , '' the statute reads . Feinstein described the unfolding scandal , which she first learned about on Friday when Petraeus announced publicly his resignation , `` like peeling an onion . Every day another peel comes off , and you see a whole new dimension to this . '' Spokesman : Rep. Eric Cantor knew of inquiry in October . `` My concern has actually escalated the last few days , '' she said . On Sunday , she told Fox News an investigation of the FBI was needed because the illicit affair `` could have had an effect on national security . '' One specific national security concern deals with whether Paula Broadwell , the woman with whom Petraeus had an affair , was privy to classified information . In a speech at the end of October , Broadwell suggested the terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi , Libya , took place because the U.S. was housing Libyan prisoners there -- a theory , she noted at the time , that had not been vetted yet . `` I do not know how she got that information , '' Feinstein said . `` We should find out . '' The claim by Broadwell has since been discounted by administration officials . Scandal is about much more than sex . Feinstein also was incensed that an FBI whistle-blower -- who may have feared the investigation into Petraeus was n't proceeding properly -- had complained to the office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor , R-Virginia , who then was aware of the investigation even before President Barack Obama was informed . Feinstein 's committee will meet privately Tuesday to determine how it will proceed on the FBI matter . It is important `` that we have an orderly process , that we not jeopardize anyone 's rights , that we be respectful , '' she said , adding that some of the investigation will be done in public and some of it will be behind closed doors . Separately , the committee is conducting an investigation into the fatal attack on the consulate in Benghazi . Petraeus was to testify before a closed hearing Thursday into the attack , but he will now be replaced by Acting CIA Director Mike Morell . `` Disciplinary action '' could be in order , Feinstein said . Profile : Who is Paula Broadwell ? Feinstein said she wants to read a `` trip '' report that she was told Petraeus filed on his just-concluded visit to Benghazi , where he personally investigated the circumstances of the attack . But after a second person told her the report had not been written yet , Feinstein warned she would move to have it subpoenaed if necessary . She said also that Petraeus will testify before the committee on Benghazi at some point , probably in closed session . Timeline of the Petraeus affair .
Sen. Feinstein is calling for an investigation of the FBI in handling the Petraeus case . ` ` A decision was made somewhere not to brief us , which is atypical , '' she says . The National Security Act addresses notifying congressional intelligence committees . Congress should be ` ` kept fully and currently informed '' on our activities .