Democracy 21 Urges House Members To Vote NO Today On Resolution Demanding DOJ Documents
Democracy 21 Urges House Members To Vote NO Today On Resolution Demanding DOJ Documents
In a letter sent to Representatives today, Democracy 21 urged them to vote “No” on H.Res.970, a nonbinding “resolution of inquiry” sponsored by Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Jim Jordan (R-OH), which demands that the Justice Department turn over “reams of documents” connected to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The letter noted that this Resolution is only “the latest move” in efforts by some Republican Representatives to undermine the independence, integrity, and credibility of the DOJ’s investigation.
According to the letter:
This resolution proposes that the House engage in extraordinary interference with an ongoing criminal investigation by the Justice Department. The investigation involves both confidential sources and highly sensitive matters of national security. For the House to demand a vast production of internal investigative documents in the middle of this criminal investigation is unprecedented, indefensible and flatly wrong.
The letter continued:
The purpose of H.Res.970 is clear: it is one more step in a campaign by some House Republicans to damage, discredit and, if possible, shut down the Mueller investigation in order to protect President Trump at all costs, regardless of the facts and the consequences. The request will result in a process of selective leaks and the disclosure of sensitive and confidential information if it is complied with.
The letter noted that the House will have an opportunity to properly exercise oversight, once Special Counsel Mueller completes his work. The letter stated:
For the House to intrude into the internal workings of a criminal investigation while that investigation is still ongoing, as this resolution seeks to do, is an abuse of the House’s institutional responsibilities. Such action would change the House’s role from oversight to interference in a criminal investigation.
The letter to Representatives continued:
As a member of the House with responsibilities to the American people as well as the institution, supporting these improper activities would constitute a disservice to the country and an abuse of your institutional responsibilities.
The letter stated:
Special Counsel Mueller, appointed by a Republican Deputy Attorney General, is a lifelong Republican and longtime law enforcement official. Mueller has impeccable credentials and the highest reputation for integrity. There is no evidence that he has abused his authority or engaged in any improper activity that would warrant House intervention in the ongoing criminal investigation that he is conducting.
The letter concluded:
The American people are entitled to have Mr. Mueller complete his work and report his findings to the country, without interference in the middle of his work by the House.
We strongly urge you vote against H.Res. 970.
Read the full letter here.
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Released: June 28, 2018
