WASHINGTON — Friday, special counsel Robert Mueller turned over his long-awaited report on the Russia investigation. After two years of investigation – which, at times entangled President Donald Trump’s family and resulted in charges against some of his associates – the report is now in the hands of Attorney General William Barr.
Immediately after the news broke Friday night, lawmakers and officials from our area began sending statements, with many calling for the release of the report.
Below is a compilation of statements:
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.)
"Congress and the American people deserve to judge the facts for themselves. The Special Counsel's report must be provided to Congress immediately, and the Attorney General should swiftly prepare a declassified version of the report for the public. Nothing short of that will suffice. It is also critical that all documents related to the Special Counsel's investigation be preserved and made available to the appropriate Congressional committees.
Any attempt by the Trump Administration to cover up the results of this investigation into Russia's attack on our democracy would be unacceptable."
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
Release the full report. Let the findings be out there for all to see. The American people deserve it. Our democracy deserves it.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
“Full transparency. No waiting. Attorney General Barr must immediately provide Congress and the public with Mueller’s entire report and supporting material, not just his summary findings. The American people have a right to know everything.”
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.)
The American people have a right to see the results of the Mueller report. We deserve #transparency – the rule of law depends on it.
Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D- Maryland 7th District)
Attorney General Barr must make the #Mueller report public and provide all underlying documents to Congress without delay. Transparency is the foundation of our democracy. The American people have a right to know the truth.
House Majority Leader Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Maryland 5th District)
“I have been clear from the start of the Special Counsel’s investigation: Congress and the American people deserve to know what his investigation has uncovered, including information about Russia’s efforts to undermine our democracy, allegations of the President obstructing justice, and any other potential criminal conduct by government officials. Our nation is based on the rule of law and the involvement of citizens in decision-making about our future, and these require transparency in pursuit of truth and justice. That is why I brought a resolution to the Floor last week expressing the sense of the House that the Special Counsel’s report ought to be made public to the fullest extent of the law and that every Member of Congress ought to be allowed to read it in full. The House approved that resolution 420-0 in a powerful statement of bipartisan agreement.
“I urge the Attorney General to perform his duty to country and Constitution, ensure that this report is made available to Congress and the public, and resist any attempt by the White House to interfere. Russia and anyone involved in its efforts to undermine our elections or our democratic system of government must be held accountable and made to answer for their actions. I thank the Special Counsel and his team for their hard work, and I expect the Attorney General to move quickly to make the report available so that the Congress can then determine the best course forward.”
Rep. Don Beyer (D- Va. 8th district)
"The Mueller investigation has already uncovered shocking criminality within the Trump campaign, organization & administration. The American people deserve to know the full truth. This is essential to upholding the faith and integrity of our democracy."
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va. 10th District)
"The Mueller Report should be made public to the fullest extent of the law. The American people deserve to know the truth."
Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring
“As the top law officers in states across the country, we strongly urge United States Attorney General Barr to immediately make public the findings of the Mueller investigation. The American people deserve to know the truth.”
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh
"The findings of the Mueller report must not be held in secret. The American people have a right to know. Now. "