FBI Director James Comey Firing and Reactions From Members of Congress
President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey earlier this evening in the middle of an FBI investigation into collusion between Trump’s campaign and administration with Russia. The move undoubtedly raised concerns among Congress as demands for a special prosecutor became louder.
President Trump fired James B. Comey as the director of the FBI. The decision came as Comey was leading a counterintelligence investigation into potential Russian interference in the 2016 election. Officials said it resulted from a conclusion by Justice Department officials that he had mishandled a probe of Hillary Clinton’s emails.
Here is reaction from members of Congress:
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)
“The President’s firing of the FBI Director comes at a time when the agency is actively investigating whether members of President Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election. This law enforcement investigation must continue.
“Russia attacked our democracy and the American people deserve answers. President Trump’s decision to make this move tonight is an attack on the rule of law and raises more questions that demand answers. Firing the FBI Director does not place the White House, the President, or his campaign above the law.
“The Senate Intelligence Committee must continue their bipartisan investigation because Congress has a responsibility to get to the bottom of this in a transparent way. We also need a special prosecutor to lead a comprehensive and independent investigation that follows all the facts wherever they lead.”
Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.)
Comey’s firing raises many questions. One thing is clear: an independent special prosecutor is necessary to investigate Russian connections.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
On CNN: “It is an abuse of power if the FBI was in fact investigating the president of the United States. For the president to fire someone who has him under active investigation is in my view an abuse of power.”
“If there was every any doubt about the need for a special independent prosecutor, which I’ve been advocating for months, there is no question now.”
“Only a special prosecutor can hold accountable anyone who colluded with the Russians … and the president himself has to be deemed a potential target. If not right at this moment then a potential target in the future because his associates in that campaign are targets right now.”
Steve
Steve is an affordable multifamily housing professional that is also the co-founder of Whiskey Congress. Steve has written for national publications such as The National Marijuana News and other outlets as a guest blogger on topics covering sports, politics, and cannabis. Steve loves whiskey, cigars, and uses powerlifting as an outlet to deal with the fact that no one listens to his brilliant ideas.
