Democrats and Republicans Want an Independent Prosecutor to Investigate Trump's Possible Russia Ties
As a result of the shocking firing of FBI Director James Comey by the president, both Republicans and Democrats have come forward to request an independent investigation into Trump's possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election.
Several members of Congress have already started drafting legislation which would establish an independent, non-partisan committee to investigate any possible Russian connections to the Trump campaign.
Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Elijah Cummings have started the bill, yet it has not yet gained the support from many Republicans. So far, Republican Reps. Justin Amash and Walter Jones are the only ones to sign on.
Other Republicans have called for an independent investigation and questioned Trump's decision to fire Comey.
"I have long called for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 election," Senator John McCain said in a statement. "The president's decision to remove the FBI director only confirms the need and the urgency for such a committee."
House Republican Carlos Curbelo said in a released statement: "Today's extraordinary decision raises many questions all of which must be answered. 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..."
Along with Republicans, many democrats have voiced concerns about the necessity of an independent committee
Senator Cory Booker — a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — has often supported the creation of an independent special prosecutor. Immediately after Comey's firing, Sen. Booker released a statement reiterating the crucial need for such a counsel.
"The Russians undermined our election," Booker said in the statement. "How exactly they were able to do that with so much success is a question we need to answer — to prevent a similar attack in the future and hold those responsible accountable. In order to give the American people full confidence in this investigation, it should be handled by an independent counsel who does not answer to President Trump."
Rep. Barbara Comstack tweeted a statement of confusion regarding Comey's removal
While speaking with the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein stressed the need for an independent prosecutor
