Congress’ options for Russia probes

Lawmakers have proposed at least four options for investigating allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. Claims of Russian interference targeting Hillary Clinton began even before Donald Trump was sworn in as president. Calls for congressional investigations became more intense when Michael Flynn resigned last month as Trump’s national security adviser after revelations that he discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador and made misleading statements to Vice President Pence. Now, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions being accused of lying during his confirmation hearing by saying he had not met with Russian officials, Congress has choices to make about how to investigate the complex issue:

1. KEEP IT IN THE HOUSE (AND SENATE)

Most Republicans, who control the House and Senate, would prefer the investigations be conducted by existing committees. So far several committees have said they will investigate at least some aspect of the controversy, including the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee.

2. ESTABLISH A SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

This idea was proposed by GOP Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, although McCain said it was unlikely Congress would ever approve such a move.

3. NAME A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

Many Democrats and Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California have called for a special prosecutor to conduct a probe of how Russia attempted to influence the election. They argue that Sessions’ role in the Trump campaign precludes him from being part of any investigation. “Any review conducted must have the full confidence of the American people, which is why I recommended an independent review,” Issa said.

4. CREATE AN INDEPENDENT BIPARTISAN COMMISSION

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., proposed this idea Thursday in response to the news of Sessions’ contacts with the Russian ambassador. The panel that investigated the 9/11 attacks was one such commission.