Senators to Newly Confirmed Deputy Attorney General: Appoint Special Prosecutor Immediately

Press Release

Following Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's confirmation, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 12 other Senators in urging him to immediately appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Since Attorney General Jeff Sessions' has recused himself, Rosenstein is now responsible for leading the Department of Justice's investigation.

"We write to request that you take immediate action to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election," the Senators wrote. "Because Attorney General Sessions has recused himself from this matter, you are responsible for leading the Department of Justice's (DOJ) response to these unprecedented circumstances. In order to ensure the fullest possible public confidence in the unbiased nature of the conduct of the investigation, the content of its findings, and any necessary actions in response, we urge you to use existing regulatory authority to appoint an independent official, such as a special prosecutor, to head the investigation."

Today's letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Al Franken (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tom Udall (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

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