Constituents Demand GOP Reps. & Sens. Back Independent Commission on Trump/Russia Scandal

Voters are heading to town hall events across the country to demand their members of Congress support an independent commission or special prosecutor to investigate the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. The demands follow Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey, a transparently political maneuver designed to obstruct the Bureau’s ongoing investigation.

Voters want to know: As Congress heads back into session this week, will their Representative take a stand against Trump’s abuses of power and endorse an independent commission or special prosecutor?

Iowa

Rep. Rod Blum (IA-01)

WATCH: “Are you [inaudible] to call for an independent counsel? [Applause].”

WATCH: “Real simple question for you: today, at 4:30, Donald J. Trump fired the director of the FBI. I want you to tell me, will you help [inaudible] voice the need for a special prosecutor? [Applause].”

Michigan

Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07)

WATCH: “All have questions relating to, do you support an independent investigation into Russia? [Applause].”

Nebraska

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02)

WATCH: “This question is, will you support an independent investigation into the Trump campaign slash Russia? [Applause].”

Florida

Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18)

WATCH: “…If you will vote H.R. 356 — which is ‘Protecting Our Democracy Act’ — which asks for an independent bipartisan investigation into Russia hacking our Democracy in last year’s election. [Applause].”

Virginia

Rep. Thomas Garrett (VA-05)

WATCH: “The only thing that seems to be going on with Comey is that he was directing an investigation into collusion with Trump and the Russian hacking…is time to start the special prosecutor? [Applause] … independent investigation.”

Arizona

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)

WATCH: CONSTITUENT: “Will you support an independent investigation?” FLAKE: “We have investigations going on right now-” CONSTITUENT: “No, independent.” FLAKE: “No, by the standing committees. The standing committees are bipartisan; they have both Democrats and Republicans.” CONSTITUENT: “They’re actually not…will you support an independent commission?”

WATCH: “All nominees release their tax returns when they declare their candidacy so we know where their loyalties stand. And being on the Foreign Relations Committee, you need that [from Trump] for the investigation for Russia — unless you step up and ask for an independent investigation. [Applause].”

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

WATCH: “Senator, we’ve received a lot of questions this week about concerns about the ongoing investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, including many people who are wondering what your position is on appointing a special prosecutor or assembling a select committee to investigate. Can you elaborate on your position?”

Published: May 15, 2017