Booker Statement on Importance of Special Counsel Independence Protection Act

Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

“The magnitude of today’s events further underscore the critical importance of ensuring Special Counsel Robert Mueller is able to continue his investigation free from interference or intimidation.

“President Trump and his allies have repeatedly tried to undermine public confidence in Mr. Mueller and his investigation through baseless accusations and personal attacks. The threat of President Trump ordering the firing of Mr. Mueller and triggering a crisis seems to grow by the day.

“It is of urgent importance that Congress act swiftly and in a bipartisan way to protect the special counsel and his investigation from interference by the President. Our bipartisan bill, the Special Counsel Independence Protection Act, is one way to check and balance the President and ensure that Mr. Mueller and his team and follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead.”

In August, Booker joined Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), to introduce the bipartisan Graham-Booker Special Counsel Independence Protection Act (SCIPA), legislation that would create a judicial check on the executive branch’s ability to remove a special counsel. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) were also cosponsors.

That bill, and a similar proposal introduced by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), were the subject of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September.