GOP to Trump: We Need an Independent Commission
Last night, President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, igniting responses from both sides of the aisle calling for an independent commission to investigate President Trump’s ties to Russia.
Senator John McCain (R-AZ): "I have long called for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 election. The President's decision to remove the FBI director only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee.” [New York Times, 5/9/17]
Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI): "My staff and I are reviewing legislation to establish an independent commission on Russia. The second paragraph of [President Trump's] letter is bizarre.” [Tweet, 5/9/17]
Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL): "Congress and the American people need a transparent explanation as to how this decision was reached and why it was executed at this time. It is critical that the FBI can continue all of its pending work with independence and integrity – especially the investigation into the Russian government’s efforts to influence our last election and undermine American democracy. Today I reiterate the need for Congress to establish a Select Committee with full investigatory powers to thoroughly examine this matter.” [Statement, 5/9/17]
Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA): "I can’t defend or explain tonight’s actions or timing of the firing of FBI Director James Comey. The FBI investigation into the Russian impact on the 2016 election must continue. There must be an independent investigation that the American people can trust.” [Statement, 5/9/17]
Sen. Angus King (I-ME): “I believe it is not only appropriate, but urgently necessary to appoint a Special Counsel to carry forward the investigation.” [Statement, 5/9/17]
These calls join previous comments by GOP Members urging an independent investigation of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election:
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA): "...We need an independent review by a credible third party and that Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from any investigation into Russia. We need a clear-eyed view of what the Russians actually did so that all Americans can have faith in our institutions. The Putin government is a bad actor whose actions should be carefully scrutinized – and regardless of what side of the aisle you sit on – we have a vested interest in fully understanding exactly what happened and how to prevent it from happening again." [Statement, 3/2/17]
In addition, a number of Republican Senators have voiced skepticism about the timing of this firing…
Senator Richard Burr (R-NC): “'I am troubled by the timing and reasoning of Jim Comey’s termination'... It 'further confuses an already difficult investigation by our committee.'" [New York Times, 5/9/17]
Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ): "I've spent the last several hours trying to find an acceptable rationale for the timing of Comey's firing. I just can't do it." [Tweet, 5/9/17]
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE): “Regardless of how you think Director Comey handled the unprecedented complexities of the 2016 election cycle, the timing of this firing is very troubling.” [Statement, 5/9/17]