Schakowsky Statement on Passage of Resolution Requiring the Mueller Report to Be Released to the Public

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and Vice-Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force, released the following statement on passage of H.Con.Res. 24, which expresses the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Mueller should be made available to the public and to Congress:

“Today, I cast a resounding ‘yes’ vote on a resolution demanding the Mueller Report be made available to the public and Congress. Given the lies, fraud and Constitutional abuse of the current Administration, transparency is more important than ever. It is Congress’ job to ensure our government remains accountable and our democracy intact.

The allegations at the center of the Mueller investigation are serious and credible. Several of President Trump’s closest friends and advisors, and many Russian agents, have already been indicted for and convicted of crimes ranging from campaign finance violations, to obstruction of justice, to fraud. It is clear through the court proceedings, and ongoing Congressional investigations, the President was likely involved in, or knew about, some of these crimes.

Presidents do not have a right to commit crimes nor do they have a right to manipulate investigations. Failure to release the Special Counsel’s report to the American people would send a terrible message – that the President is above the law. The purpose of appointing a Special Counsel in the first place was to ensure the American public would have confidence in the integrity of the investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 election. To fulfill this goal, Mueller’s report must be publicly released in full. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that Congress and the public find out the truth. Our democracy depends on it.”