Schakowsky statement on the appointment of a special counsel

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement after Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein announced the appointment of former FBI director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to lead the investigation into Russian meddling in our election and the possible collusion of President Trump and his associates:

“The appointment of a special counsel is an important first step towards understanding exactly how far the Russian interference into our election went, and whether President Trump and his associates were willful participants in the meddling. In order for this investigation to be effective, it must be fully independent and have the resources necessary to carry out its important duty. With yesterday’s reports of President Trump’s attempt to shut down the investigation into Michael Flynn, we must be assured that this investigation will be kept well beyond the President’s reach and completely above reproach. I am glad that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has taken this long overdue step.”