Trump’s Relationship with Russia: Calls Across the Board for an Independent Bipartisan Investigation
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
In the 40 days President Trump’s has been in office, reports continue to emerge indicating a relationship between President Trump and Putin’s regime. Following these reports, bipartisan lawmakers have called for an investigation into the nature of President Trump’s relationship with Russia. This is not a partisan matter; it is about responding fully to an attack on the United States by Putin and Russia’s efforts to undermine America. As some try to avoid an impartial, vigorous investigation, the more questions arise about ties between Russia and Trump’s Administration and campaign.
Republicans are calling for an independent investigation:
Former President George W. Bush
“I think we all need answers ... I’m not sure the right avenue to take. I am sure, though, that that question needs to be answered.” [CBS, 2/27/17]
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA)
"You cannot have somebody, a friend of mine Jeff Sessions, who was on the campaign and who is an appointee…You're going to need to use the special prosecutor's statute and office to take — not just to recuse. You can't just give it to your deputy. That's another political appointee." [Politico, 2/24/17]
Rep. Walter B. Jones (R-NC)
“... co-sponsored the Protecting Our Democracy Act on Thursday … He joins every member of the House Democratic Caucus in co-sponsoring the bill, which would set up a 12-member panel evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. The bill, introduced by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), gives the commission powers to investigate ‘any attempts or activities by the Russian government, persons or entities associated with the Russian government, or persons or entities within Russia to use electronic means to influence, interfere with, or sow distrust in elections for public office held in the United States in 2016.’” [Washington Post, 2/17/17]
Senator Bob Corker (R-TN)
“I know there’s mounting frustration at the pace [of the investigation]…I’m open to looking at a way to make sure all of us and the American people understand everything that’s occurred relative to their nefarious activities.” Corker also left the door open to supporting an independent commission to review Russia’s disruptive activity, calling for “a fulsome investigation into all angles” of the issue and acknowledging that Flynn’s resignation Monday night sparked “a desire for this to happen at a quickened pace.” [Politico, 2/14/17]
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
“If there are contacts between Trump officials and Russian intelligence operatives during the campaign, we need a joint select committee in Congress to get to the bottom of it and also look at Trump's business ties to Russia, if it is true.” [ABC, 2/15/17]
Editorial Boards are also highlighting the need for an independent commission:
Seattle Times: Congressional investigation of Russia must get full support of Republicans, President Trump
“A special, independent commission or prosecutor would be the best response ... Congress should devote more attention to this major, ongoing threat than it did to the attack on a diplomatic outpost in Benghazi.” [2/17/17]
Boston Globe: Independent investigation needed for Flynn fallout
“One thing is clear to Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike: Within the web of untruths and questions surrounding the role of several key Trump advisers, we need an independent investigation into what happened and who was involved.” [2/16/17]
Tampa Bay Times: Get to the bottom of Russian connections
“The best way to clear the air and get the facts would be a thorough investigation by the Justice Department, Congress or an independent, bipartisan commission. The American people need to be fully informed, and the Trump administration cannot be successful with such a dark cloud hanging over it.” [2/15/17]
Lincoln Journal-Star: A nation needs answers on Russia
“…the revelations, likely to continue, will require an independent counsel to investigate the deeply troubling Russian meddling in U.S. politics and the connection with the Trump campaign and administration.” [2/15/17]
Los Angeles Times: No more partisan politics. We need an independent investigation into the Trump team's Russian ties
“The Republican congressional leadership needs to put responsibility to country ahead of party loyalty to the president, and appoint an independent commission or special prosecutor to get to the bottom of it.” [2/14/17]
From both sides of the aisle and all across the country, the message is clear: Americans deserve answers about the Trump Administration’s relationship with Russia. Democrats will continue to urge Republicans to support an independent investigation.
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