WASHINGTON – Two of Illinois' 17 Congress members released statements Thursday in response to the Mueller Report on a 22 month long investigation concerning the Russians' alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-17) said it's time the Democrats put aside animosity towards President Trump.
“I am pleased to see the release of Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller’s report, which confirms what many of us believed and what was outlined in the Attorney General’s memo: there was no collusion between President Trump, his campaign and the Russians. This is a vindication of President Trump on the issue of Russian collusion,” said LaHood.
“Congressional Democrats have long said we need to respect the findings of the Special Counsel and it’s time they put aside their hatred for President Trump and do just that. Instead of wasting more taxpayer money on investigations about the 2016 election, it’s time to move on and work together on important legislative issues Americans sent us to Washington to fix, such as infrastructure funding, international trade, bringing down the cost of prescription drugs and career technical education for our workforce.”
Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) said transparency concerning the Mueller Report is key – but agreed with LaHood that it is time the country focus on fixing the country's current biggest challenges.
“After 22 months and a team of 60 investigators issued 2,800 subpoenas, conducted 500 witness interviews, and executed 500 search warrants, the independent Mueller investigation and U.S. Attorney General William Barr – our nation’s top law enforcement officer – determined what many had expected all along: there was no collusion with Russia," Bost said in a statement.
"However, the American people deserve transparency. That is why I voted to pass bipartisan legislation encouraging the Department of Justice to release the report in the most transparent manner allowable by law and that would not jeopardize our national security sources and methods of intelligence gathering.
"As Congress and the American people review its findings in detail, I am pleased that we can begin closing this divisive chapter of American history and focus on creating jobs, growing our economy, keeping our citizens safe, and rebuilding our infrastructure.”
