US-Russia probe could be delivered ‘next week’
Special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election could be delivered to Congress as early as next week, CNN reports.
The report would mark an end to the nearly two year investigation, which has been attacked with fervour by Donald Trump as a “witch hunt” and stirred repeated political controversy in Washington and around the world.
Should attorney general William Barr announce next week that the investigation has concluded, it is
unlikely that the details would immediately be made public. It is also not clear how much of the report Mr Barr’s office receives will then be handed over to Congress, as the report is only legally required to go to the Justice Department upon conclusion of an investigation.
The exact date and time that the end of the investigation might be announced remains unclear, and could be subject to change.
Mr Barr has previously indicated that he wants to be “transparent” with Congress and the public regarding the report, so long as that remains “consistent with the rules and the law”.
The conclusion of Mr Mueller’s investigation will not put an end to the impact seen by the probe, which has resulted in dozens of indictments including charges brought against close allies of the president.
There are several ongoing court cases that would proceed, some of which were referred by Mr Mueller’s office to different jurisdictions including the Southern District of New York. Other investigations may be picked up by the DC US District Attorney’s office.
In addition ot the special counsel investigation, at least two probes are ongoing in Congress. That includes a recently restarted probe in the House of Representatives, led by Democrats after the party retook control of the chamber in the 2018 midterm elections.
Another investigation in the Senate Intelligence Committee is reportedly wrapping up, and Republicans in that committee have said they have found no evidence of collusion between Mr Trump’s campaign and Russian officials.
Those investigations could still unearth important information, too. Yesterday, it was announced that Mr Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen – who has pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from Mr Mueller’s probe – will not have to report to prison until May, in part so that he can testify to Congress.