AG nominee: Russia inquiry vital
Barr had criticized it in past, supported Comey’s dismissal
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general will tell the Senate Judiciary Committee “it is vitally important” that special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to complete his Russia investigation.
William Barr added that he believes Congress and the public should learn the results, according to remarks prepared for his Tuesday confirmation hearing.
“I believe it is in the best interest of everyone — the President, Congress, and, most importantly, the American people — that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work,” Barr’s planned remarks say.
He described Mueller, a former Justice Department colleague, as a friend he has known personally and professionally for 30 years. Mueller headed the department’s criminal division while Barr served as attorney general from 1991-93.
The special counsel is required to confidentially report his findings to the Justice Department. Barr stopped short of pledging to release Mueller’s conclusions, but he expressed general support for disclosing the findings, whatever they may be.
“For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law,” Barr said. “I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decisions.”
The remarks in support of Mueller are intended to reassure Democratic senators troubled by Barr’s past comments on the special counsel’s probe, including an unsolicited memo he sent the Justice Department last year criticizing the inquiry into whether the president had obstructed justice.
He also previously said the president’s firing of FBI director James Comey was appropriate and that the Mueller prosecution team, repeatedly criticized by Trump for including prosecutors who have politically supported Democratic candidates, should have had more “balance.”