Trump AG pick Barr wants Mueller report made public

WASHINGTON – William Barr, nominated to be President Donald Trump’s next attorney general, believes that Russia special counsel Robert Mueller’s final report should be made public and vowed he will allow the special prosecutor to complete his work.

“It is very important that the public and Congress be informed of the results of the special counsel’s work,” Barr said in written testimony delivered to the Senate Judiciary Committee in advance of Tuesday’s confirmation hearing.

“For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law. 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 decision,” Barr said.

Barr also is expected to tell lawmakers that 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.”

“The country needs a credible resolution of these issues,” Barr’s written testimony said. “If confirmed, I will not permit partisan politics, personal interests, or any other improper consideration to interfere with this or any other investigation.”

Barr’s prepared remarks address the most urgent issue facing the nominee, who had authored a memorandum earlier this year critical of the special counsel’s inquiry, specifically describing Mueller’s review of possible obstruction of justice by the president as “fatally misconceived.”

The special counsel has been weighing whether Trump sought to obstruct the inquiry in part by firing FBI Director James Comey.