Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on the Unconstitutional Appointment of Matthew Whitaker to Oversee the Mueller Probe

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement in response to the unconstitutional appointment of Matthew Whitaker to oversee Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

"Donald Trump bypassed the Senate's advice and consent role by appointing Matthew Whitaker to oversee the Mueller probe without Senate approval. In doing so, the President is attempting to erode the checks and balances laid out in our Constitution. I, along with my Democratic colleagues, am prepared and ready to fight this troubling move. It is time to protect the rule of law, Constitution, and our country from this illegal and unconstitutional act by the President of the United States. In the interim, Matthew Whitaker must recuse himself from the Mueller investigation and adhere to any recommendations made by the independent Office of Government Ethics."

DeSaulnier is a sponsor of the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (H.R. 5476), authored by House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-NY), which would limit President Trump's ability to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller and interfere in the Russian election meddling investigation. Senators Tillis, Coons, Booker, and Graham have introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the Senate.

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