Don’t just complain – legislate!
WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans issued a litany of statements yesterday criticizing President Trump for blaming the United States for bad relations with Russia, denying 2016 election hacking and focusing more on Hillary Clinton than the sustained Russian interference campaign — all while he stood beside Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.
Denouncing Trump’s denial of Russian interference despite U.S. intelligence confirmations, Sen. John McCain called the Trump-Putin summit “a tragic mistake.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reiterated that the “Russians are not our friends.” House Speaker Paul Ryan and others joined in the chorus.
But GOP lawmakers, who control both chambers of Congress, have far more tools at their fingertips to stop what they see as an assault on American interests than their Twitter apps. They could legislate.
Lawmakers could back bipartisan bills that have already been filed to protect the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller — a probe that only last week gave the most detailed description of Russian election interference efforts to date in an indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officials.
Some Republicans, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), have voiced support for legislation that would give Congress some oversight over some DOJ decisions in the investigation, including the decision to fire the special counsel.
McConnell said before that he wouldn’t bring the legislation to the floor, reasoning that there is no reason for it since he doesn’t believe Trump will fire Mueller.
But Trump’s praise of Putin’s bizarre proffer to have Russian law enforcement assist the Mueller investigation by questioning the indicted Russian spies as “an incredible offer,” is a game changer. Essentially, Trump is willing to outsource the investigation of election-related crimes to Russia — a clear threat to the Mueller probe. Republicans who want to stop that could join with Democrats for a veto-proof majority.
Republicans can also ensure sanctions against Russia for annexing Crimea remain in place, and increase economic pressure for Russia’s backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. They could even pass a bipartisan resolution condemning Russia for its role in the downing of a Malaysian Airlines flight over the Russia-Ukraine border four years ago today, killing 298 people.
Unlike past Trump controversies — where Republicans condemned the president’s behavior then quickly moved on — this time they could act.