To much fanfare in D.C., the redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller report on his investigation into Russian attempts to interfere in U.S. elections was released to the public on Thursday. Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation issued statements throughout the day sharing their thoughts on the report and its release.
Congressman Frank Lucas:
“Today, the United States Department of Justice provided the complete transparency needed to bring this investigation to a close. Complying with current federal statute, protecting grand jury material, classified information, and the integrity of the investigative process, United States Attorney General William Barr provided the public a report that detailed an investigation spanning 22 months, 2,800 subpoenas, 500 executed search-and-seizure warrants, 40 intelligence officials, 19 attorneys, and two congressional investigations.
While the investigation into President Donald Trump and the Trump Campaign rocked our nation’s discourse for nearly two years, the American people now know, without a shadow of a doubt, that no Americans conspired with Russia to interfere in our elections.
While I’m encouraged by those who respected the honest work and integrity of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Republicans and Democrats alike, I believe it is now time to move on. For years partisan politics has dominated the rhetoric in both Washington and back home. I’m hopeful the close of this chapter in the story of American democracy will once again bring Republicans and Democrats together to focus on the issues affecting the lives of the American people.”
Congressman Tom Cole:
“While I applaud Attorney General Barr for allowing Congress to review Special Counsel Mueller’s report and making it publicly available for Americans to read for themselves, it doesn’t change the prior conclusions of the 22-month investigation. Redacted or not, the report confirms that there was no collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump’s campaign, nor was there sufficient evidence to justify indictment for obstruction of justice. The thorough investigation is over. The results are clearly in. Now it’s time for Democrats to also conclude with their politically-motivated investigations and their dubious charges against the president.”
Congresswoman Kendra Horn:
“It’s our job as Congress to ensure our democracy stays strong. That means pursuing the truth and protecting ourselves from foreign adversaries. Our national security should never be partisan, and it’s clear that Russia interfered in our election. We as Americans deserve to know the facts. I look forward to reviewing the Mueller report.”
Congressman Kevin Hern:
“This morning, Attorney General Barr further confirmed the information we already know: There was no collusion between Russia and President Trump or his campaign. Over the course of the last two years, we witnessed a very real attempted coup of the American presidency. In concert with the outgoing Obama administration, Democrats proved that they would stop at nothing to end the Trump presidency and cast a shadow on the work he’s done to revitalize our economy and make America great again.
“We wasted 675 days on this useless investigation, costing the American people more than $30 million.
“AG Barr said it this morning and I repeat it: this was an unprecedented situation. Our President had every right and every opportunity to invoke executive privilege and censor the findings of the investigation. Instead, he fully cooperated with investigators and is supporting the full release and transparency of the report.
“Many of my colleagues have claimed for years that they have substantial evidence against our President, that they know for a fact that he colluded with Russia. If a 2-year investigation with unlimited resources could not find that evidence, I invite them to please bring it forward. As far as I can tell, they wanted so badly for collusion to be true, for the downfall of American democracy & failure of the Trump presidency, that they would say and do anything to make it true.
“President Trump was rightfully frustrated and upset that the outset of his administration was constantly under the shadow of the special counsel’s investigation and the outstanding results of his efforts as President always took a back seat to rumors of collusion and corruption. Today, we finally clear the air. Let’s close the door on this sad chapter in American history and move on to celebrate the success of President Trump’s policies and leadership across our country. “
