TAMPA, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Democrats in the Bay area are calling for an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election last fall, following the abrupt firing of FBI Director James Comey.
Here are the statements from several lawmakers:
“Now it is more clear than ever that we need an independent commission to get to the truth of Russia’s interference with our election."
- Sen. Bill Nelson, (D) Florida
"I don't disagree with the decision to remove Director Comey from his post given his actions over the past year. But the timing is extremely suspect given the FBI recently announced they are investigating the Trump administration for alleged ties to Russia. Now President Trump gets to nominate the head of the agency leading that investigation. We need a special prosecutor to take over the Russia investigation, and the Senate must drill down to a degree like never before on whoever is nominated to replace Director Comey. The integrity of our top law enforcement agency – and our democracy – is at stake!"-
- U.S. Representative Charlie Crist, (D) St. Petersburg
"President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey is a blatant attempt to stall the FBI's ongoing investigation of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. It is also part of a disturbing trend -- first, former acting Attorney General Sally Yates is fired by Trump after informing the White House of deep concerns about Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and his activities with Russia. Now, Comey is fired by Trump a week after testifying that the FBI is conducting its investigation.
"Trump may well be trying to distract the American people from the very troubling conflicts of interest, and those connections between Trump's former national security adviser and Russia that were known about for some 18 days before Trump reluctantly fired Flynn. It is past time for an independent, bipartisan investigation. Trump may want to bury the investigation, but his presidency will continue under a cloud unless a special prosecutor or independent commission is established and the facts are fully presented to the American people."
- U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, (D) Tampa
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