Mueller reaction: “The appointment of Bob Mueller as special counsel for the Russia investigation is a good first step to get to the bottom of the many questions we have about Russian interference in our election and possible ties to the president.
Bob was a fine U.S. attorney, a great FBI director and there’s no better person who could be asked to perform this function. He is respected, he is talented and he has the knowledge and ability to do the right thing.”
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Kamala Harris
"If there was ever a moment to put country over party, this is that moment. Republicans must join us to hold this White House accountable."
Mueller reaction: "With Sessions and Rosenstein compromised, this was a necessary step forward."
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House of Representatives
Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale, District 1)
Statement requested
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Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael, District 2)
"All members of the House should join us & stand with & on H.R. 356. The House MUST vote to "
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John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove, District 3)
“Seemingly every day, we learn a new revelation that further convinces any fair-minded observer that America must have an independent, nonpartisan investigation and a special prosecutor examine Russia’s interference in our election and any subsequent obstructions of justice by the Administration. The allegations in Director Comey’s memo are very serious, and they have been revealed just days after President Trump admitted that the Russia investigation was a reason he fired the former FBI Director. Ongoing investigations can continue, but an independent investigation is vital to preserving the American public’s dwindling faith in this Administration and our justice system.”
Mueller reaction: "This is very good news. ... Mueller is highly capable & highly competent."
"We also need independent investigative body to fully explore how we protect our democracy from meddling."
"The appointment of the special counsel is absolutely essential to get at the criminal investigation, and nobody can do it better than Mueller. This is a man that has the integrity, the experience, and the know-how to get it done and get it done quickly."
“The appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel is very good news. He is widely respected and highly competent. But there’s another piece of the puzzle. The Russian government actively sought to influence our elections in 2016, and we should expect more of the same in 2018. While the special counsel and his team will probe any potential criminal violations, we need a separate public process to understand how we can protect our democracy from future meddling. An independent investigative body is still needed, and that’s why today I signed a discharge petition to compel the House of Representatives to vote for an independent investigation that is a step removed from partisan politics.”
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Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove, District 4)
Statement requested
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Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena, District 5)
"If true, the suggestion that the President would try to pressure the FBI Director into dropping an investigation is a gross abuse of power. Especially since the investigation in question gets to the heart of our national security and the integrity of our elections. This is beyond alarming. Speaker Ryan must recognize the need for an independent investigation. Our institutions are at stake."
Mueller reaction: "Encouraged to see the Department of Justice has appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special prosecutor to investigate Russia’s involvement in our elections. Given the number of ties the White House appears to have with Russia, an outside investigation is the only way we can get to the bottom of this and restore faith in our institutions. Mueller is well-respected and has always acted with great integrity. He is the right person to lead this effort."
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Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento, District 6)
“The protection of our democracy and our institutions should be placed above partisanship. If true, this latest disturbing report is yet another example of the urgent need for an independent investigation of Russia’s interference in our election. The American people deserve answers.”
Mueller reaction: "This is an important and long overdue step in what needs to be an ongoing and independent effort to investigate Trump-Russia ties. Former Director Mueller must have complete independence and the proper resources to carry out this investigation. As we move forward, Congress must continue to follow the facts.”
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Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove, District 7)
"Now more than ever, we need an independent investigation into Russia’s interference in our democracy "
Mueller reaction: "I’m encouraged to see has appointed a special counsel to lead the investigation into "
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Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley, District 8)
Statement requested
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Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton, District 9)
“These allegations are extremely serious and the American people demand answers. It’s time to put aside partisan politics and bring to a vote the Protecting Our Democracy Act, which would create an independent commission to investigate the President’s ties to Russia. This bipartisan legislation will help restore the American people’s confidence in the integrity of our democratic system.”
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Jeff Denham (R-Turlock, District 10)
"The congressman believes that we should review all facts before making judgement, especially when it comes to issues of national security, and thus supports the release of the memos."
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Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord, District 11)
"As a member of the Oversight Committee, I couldn't agree more. If these reports are true this is clearly obstruction of justice. "
Mueller reaction: "I think it's a good step and very good step, it gives me some reassurance that the constitutional institutions are holding up under enormous pressure.
"I just don't think you could continue with the republicans and the administration whistling past the grave yard that this is all made up and it just go away. I think there is just too much of a cloud over President Trump."
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Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco, District 12)
“If these reports are true, the President’s brazen attempt to shut down the FBI’s investigation of Michael Flynn is an assault on the rule of law that is fundamental to our democracy. At best, President Trump has committed a grave abuse of executive power. At worst, he has obstructed justice.
“With each passing day, the President’s actions give greater and greater urgency to the need for a full and independent investigation of the Trump-Russia connection. Tomorrow, Democrats will file a discharge petition to demand a vote on the bipartisan bill to establish an independent, outside commission to investigate Trump’s ties to Russia. Soon, Democrats will also introduce legislation to create an independent counsel to get the facts free of President Trump’s meddling.
“If the President has nothing to hide, then he should welcome independent investigations to remove all doubt of a cover-up. The American people deserve to know what President Trump is so desperate to keep hidden.”
Mueller reaction: "Mueller is a good first step -- but can't take the place of an independent commission free from Trump's meddling.
"The American people have a right to the truth, free from the Trump Justice Department’s efforts to silence it. #FollowTheFacts"
“We are pleased the Justice Department has answered Congressional Democrats’ calls for a special prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into the Trump-Russia connection.
“Former Director Mueller is a respected public servant of the highest integrity. The Trump Administration must make clear that Director Mueller will have the resources and independence he needs to execute this critical investigation.
“A special prosecutor is the first step, but it cannot be the last. Director Mueller will still be in the chain of command under the Trump-appointed leadership of the Justice Department. He cannot take the place of a truly independent, outside commission that is completely free from the Trump Administration’s meddling. A special prosecutor does not negate the need for vigorous Congressional investigations either.
“The question also remains: will Mueller’s investigation include President Trump’s attempt to intervene in the investigation of Michael Flynn? The American people have a right to the truth, free from the Trump Justice Department’s efforts to silence it.”
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Barbara Lee (D-Oakland, District 13)
"This is huge: report that Trump directly attempted to interfere in Comey’s Russia/Flynn probe. Drip, drip, drip."
“The American people deserve to know if President Trump tried to quash the FBI investigation into his campaign’s alleged collusion with the Russians. If true, this would constitute obstruction of justice, which is an impeachable offense.
“These allegations go far beyond party interests. Congress must take the long-overdue step of forming an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate this constitutional crisis.
“Congressional Republicans have a choice – either they fulfill their oath to defend the constitution, or they’re complicit in a cover-up.”
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Jackie Speier (D-Peninsula, District 14)
"It is truly jaw-dropping, and is yet another example of his penchant to both tamper with evidence and to obstruct justice."
Mueller reaction: "I mean, it really puts up a firewall that will allow the special counsel now to do his investigation, have the resources he needs to come to a criminal indictment if appropriate."
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Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin, District 15)
"This allegation fits into a pattern of obstruction. investigation needs independent commission & special prosecutor. Now."
Mueller reaction: “Robert Mueller’s appointment as special counsel is welcome and needed for an investigation that was disrupted by the President's firing of FBI Director James Comey last week. But this is only half of the solution. As Mueller oversees an investigation of past crimes, we need a bipartisan-appointed, independent commission to investigate what happened, make a credible public report, and come up with reforms to prevent future crimes.”
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Jim Costa (D-Fresno, District 16)
“The reports that the President asked former FBI Director James Comey to stop the bureau’s investigation of Michael Flynn are deeply disturbing. If true, it would appear the President has abused his executive power and his actions could possibly lead to the obstruction of justice.
“Even before these reports, the President’s very real statements, actions, and tweets have cast a dark shadow of suspicion on FBI investigations related to Russia.
“As I have been saying for months, an independent commission should be named to investigate and determine the extent Russia influenced our election process. We need a full investigation of Russia’s involvement in our elections, and there can be no doubt regarding the integrity of the investigation. Americans cannot stand for anything less.”
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Ro Khanna (D-Fremont, District 17)
“Each day, the actions of the White House become more upsetting. However, a free and independent press alone will not bring the truth to light. Congress must take immediate action and use its authority to demand an investigation. I join with my Democratic colleagues in calling for a vote on a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, that would establish an independent commission to investigate Trump’s ties to Russia.”
Mueller reaction: "I'm glad the DOJ is appointing a special prosecutor. We also need an independent, outside commission to investigate."
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Anna Eshoo (D-Silicon Valley, District 18)
“The actions this President has taken in the last week, from firing FBI Director Comey, to sharing highly classified information with Russian diplomats, and now to reports of his brazen attempt to shut down the FBI’s investigation of Michael Flynn give greater urgency to the need for a full and independent investigation. The American people deserve to know everything regarding Russia and the President.”
Mueller reaction: “The appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as Special Prosecutor sends a strong signal of confidence to the American people as the investigation of possible ties between President Trump’s campaign and the Russian government moves forward. I had the privilege of working with Director Mueller as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and his integrity and experience make him a superb choice to lead this investigation.”
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Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose, District 19)
"Today I was the third in line to sign petition to force a vote on H.R. 356, a bipartisan bill to on Trump-Russia connections"
“I have called for an immediate Congressional investigation into the actions of President Donald Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and top White House aides. I am also one of the very first Members of Congress to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 356, the bipartisan Swalwell-Cummings bill to investigate Russia’s actions to influence the American election and political system. If President Trump asked FBI Director Comey to shut down his investigation into General Michael Flynn, then we also need an independent counsel to investigate.”
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Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley, District 20)
“If true, the reports that President Donald Trump attempted to influence the outcome of an FBI investigation are not just concerning, they are outright disturbing. Our nation deserves better. I encourage my friends and colleagues in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, to vote on and for the bipartisan Protecting Our Democracy Act, of which I am a cosponsor, to establish an independent commission to investigate the administration’s ties to Russia.”
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David Valadao (R-Hanford, District 21)
“As an elected official, I believe it is important for all government officials, especially the President of the United States, to foster a strong level of openness and transparency within our government. As we continue to gather the facts regarding the intelligence information shared Russian officials, I encourage this Administration to disclose as much information as possible.”
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Devin Nunes (R- Tulare, District 22)
Statement requested
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Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield, District 23)
Statement requested
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Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara, District 24)
“Reports that President Trump interfered in an active FBI investigation again raises troubling questions regarding abuses of power in the White House. This latest alarming revelation makes it even more imperative that Congress establish a bipartisan commission, independent of the President, to continue any investigation into illegal actions taken by this Administration both during and after the 2016 presidential campaign.”
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Steve Knight (R-Santa Clarita, District 25)
"It is time for an investigation of Russia’s intervention in the U.S. Election. There is too much at stake at home and abroad to not take this step. There is so much conflicting information from many sources, Americans deserve the opportunity to learn the truth."
(His office provided this statement after The Washington Post reported that Trump shared highly classified information about Islamic State militants with Russian officials during a meeting at the White House last week. Knight's office said it would defer to this statement when asked about The New York Times report).
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Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village, District 26)
"Stunning allegations of obstruction of justice. I urge my GOP colleagues to stand-up & demand rule of law be upheld."
"Recent reports of President Trump's interference in the FBI investigation of Russian influence are stunning. If the reports are accurate, Trump has engaged in obstruction of justice. I urge all of my Republican colleagues to put partisanship aside, and stand up for the Constitution and rule of law."
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Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, District 27)
"We need a full and independent investigation - including any tapes Trump claims to have - to discover if Trump attempted to obstruct justice."
"The amount of evidence that has piled up in just the week since Trump fired Comey demands an independent investigation. Especially now that it appears he actively attempted to obstruct the work of the FBI. Before Congress can move forward with his agenda, we must establish an investigation to learn what the president is hiding and why."
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Adam Schiff (D-Burbank, District 28)
"Congress must obtain any notes of meetings with and Comey, and Director Comey should be brought back to testify without delay."
“Today's allegations that the President urged Director Comey to drop the investigation of Michael Flynn are among the most disturbing to date. Following shortly on the heels of the President's admission that he raised his own potential liability at a dinner with the Director and at a time when the Director was concerned about keeping his job, the allegations paint an alarming portrait of a President potentially interfering with, or worse, obstructing, the progress of the Russia investigation.
“If there are notes of these meetings they should be provided to Congress immediately – subpoenaed if necessary – and Director Comey should be brought back to testify before Congress without delay. Finally, this report further strengthens the case for the appointment of a special counsel in the Russia investigation to ensure that prosecutorial decisions are fully insulated from any White House's effort to interfere.”
Mueller reaction: "Appointment of special counsel is very positive. Mueller is a solid choice who will help reestablish public confidence in FBI investigation."
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Tony Cardenas (D-San Fernando Valley, District 29)
"For those out there in need of synonyms: Disturbing (adj): Alarming Disconcerting Distressing Frightening Troublesome Unsettling Worrisome"
"We need to see the Comey memo. We need to hear the tapes (if they do exist). We need an independent investigation into the Russia ties. We need a hard, transparent, unbiased look at this administration. And we need answers, now.
Every day these shocking revelations continue the risk of lasting damage to our democracy and economy comes closer to becoming a devastating reality."
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Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, District 30)
"Trump's jaw-dropping mistakes, sloppiness, interference with justice, and outrageous conduct is coming to light faster than we can keep up with. Just as I am trying to understand one outrage, I'm interrupted by the disclosure of another."
Mueller reaction: "I’ve been calling for since Jan 13 & now even Trump appointee realizes it's necessary. Must make sure independence protected."
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Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernadino, District 31)
"If asked Comey to end FBI investigation into Flynn, that is potentially obstruction of justice."
"We need an independent investigation and special prosecutor. Now."
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Grace Napolitano (D-El Monte, District 32)
"Reports of are alarming/demand immediate action by Congress to on Russia. Americans deserve to know the truth."
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Ted Lieu (D-Torrance, District 33)
"We are now beyond the realm of being not normal. We are in the territory of criminal activity. "
"Dear : If Trump leaves, you get VP Pence. You can still get your stupid tax cut for the rich. But at least our nation won't be in chaos."
"Dear Dep AG: Appoint Special Counsel to investigate Obstruction of Justice, or flush your integrity down the toilet."
Mueller reaction: "Thank you Deputy AG Rosenstein for following 28 CFR 600 & appointing . Your integrity came through today."
"Further evidence that Karma is real and God has a bigly sense of humor. cc:
"Why did Justice Dept appoint a Special Counsel? Because of , free press, whistleblowers & millions of Americans fighting back."
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District 34: Vacancy
Norma Torres (D-Pomona, District 35)
"Deeply disturbing personally interfered in a federal investigation. This is why we need an independent commission to ."
Mueller reaction: "This is a step in the right direction. Now we need an independent commission on "
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Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert, District 36)
"Again underscores the need for an independent investigation. Not about party or politics, but the future of our democracy."
Mueller reaction: “The appointment of a special counsel to lead the Justice Department’s investigation into Russian interference in our election is a welcome step in the right direction. We need to follow the facts and get to the bottom of what happened and who was involved. This isn’t about party or politics, but the future of our democracy. The American people deserve to know the full extent of any influence by a foreign adversary in our election process.”
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Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles, District 37)
“It’s stunning. It feels like there’s a countdown to President Trump sending out his staff to deny, deny, deny and an equal count down for President Trump to tweet that he did it and 'as President' doesn’t really care.”
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Linda Sanchez (D-Orange, District 38)
Statement requested
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Ed Royce (R-Fullerton, District 39)
Statement requested
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Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Los Angeles, District 40)
"Glad DOJ named a special prosecutor to investigate , but we still need an outside, independent commission on this matter, too."
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Mark Takano (D-Riverside, District 41)
Statement requested
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Ken Calvert (R-Corona, District 42)
Statement requested
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Maxine Waters (D-Inglewood, District 43)
Statement requested
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Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro, District 44)
"More&more out of WH smells like . Tonight no different."
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Mimi Walters (R-Laguna Niguel, District 45)
Statement requested
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Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana, District 46)
"The President’s alleged ask of FBI Director Comey to shut down an active investigation is very disturbing. Let’s put our nation ahead of partisan politics. Let’s conduct a full investigation."
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Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach, District 47)
"Congress Ds and Rs must come together to protect our nation. is 2 puerile 2 live up 2 his responsibilities. "
“If the President pushed for former FBI Director Comey to end the Bureau investigation into the Michael Flynn case, I believe we are at a pivotal historic moment. The next steps are critical. First, former FBI Director Comey must testify to Congress, publicly and under oath, on any and all conversations he had with the President and produce any memos he wrote about them. Second, the President must turn over any and all documents on these meetings, including any audio or video recordings the White House may have. Third, we must have an independent non-partisan commission or a special prosecutor to continue the Russian interference and Flynn investigations. The President's actions raise red flags on many levels and the American people need to know the truth about whether their President has broken the law.”
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Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa, District 48)
Statement requested
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Darrell Issa (R-Vista, District 49)
Statement requested on NYT report.
Mueller reaction: "Special counsel appt is welcome news. I’ve pressed DOJ to take this step for months because Americans deserve nothing less than the truth.
"I have faith Mueller will provide the independence needed to ensure this investigation is conducted with the trust of the American people."
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Duncan D. Hunter (R-Lakeside, District 50)
Statement requested
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Juan Vargas (D-San Diego, District 51)
Statement requested
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Scott Peters (D-La Jolla, District 52)
“This morning, in response to reports that President Trump gave classified intelligence information to the Russians, I called on Republicans to put country first. That need has never been more dire than today. It’s time to put politics aside and work together to investigate the ties between President Trump and Russia and to find out whether he has obstructed justice."
Mueller reaction: "Appointing a special counsel to better shield this investigation from the influence of Attorney General Sessions and the White House was the right decision. Mr. Mueller is a strong choice who I hope will follow the facts to wherever - and whomever - they may lead. This doesn't let Congress off the hook. We must create an independent commission to lead a more open investigation free of partisan and jurisdictional barriers that will get the American people all of the answers they deserve."
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Susan Davis (D-San Diego, District 53)
"When will enough be enough for my GOP colleagues? They’re key to having independent investigation into ."
Mueller reaction: “There is no question Robert Mueller is capable of leading a thorough and competent investigation into the Trump/Russia connection. The question is whether the President will attempt to influence the investigation of the Special Counsel, who must ultimately answer to the him. While I support this appointment, it’s critical that congressional investigations move forward and an independent commission is established to look into the activities and intent of major players regarding Russian influence into the election.”
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