Schneider Co-Sponsors Bill to Protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller Investigation
Joins more than 120 members on legislation to prevent removal of special counsel without cause
Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) co-sponsored legislation to preserve the independence of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation and prevent his removal without cause.
"We can't effectively protect our future elections if we don't understand the full extent of Russia's meddling in our past elections, and hold those responsible to account" said Schneider. "Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, and any possible coordination with the Trump campaign, is critical to this effort and we must ensure it continues unhindered to completion. President Trump's actions, words, and tweets show a disregard for the independence of the Mueller investigation and willingness to undermine its work. This bill is an important tool to protect the special counsel and sends a clear message that Congress will not tolerate a politically-motivated firing."
H.R. 3654, the Special Counsel Independence Protection Act, would allow the removal of a special counsel only if the Attorney General files an action in Washington, DC federal district court and a panel of three federal judges finds the removal appropriate based on a finding of misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest or other good cause.
The legislation, which was introduced by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) currently has 127 co-sponsors. It is companion legislation to a bipartisan bill in the Senate (S.1735) introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).