×

Ohio’s Brown wants Mueller to face Congress

WASHINGTON — Local congressmen are digesting the release of the report into Russia interference into the 2016 election while an Ohio senator says special counsel Robert Mueller needs to appear before Congress.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in a statement reiterated the Mueller report said it neither concludes President Trump committed a crime nor exonerates him.

“My office and I are still thoroughly reviewing the report, but we know the president has a history of not telling the truth,” Brown said. “Already, five people in the president’s circle have been convicted of crimes and there are as many as 14 ongoing criminal investigations that have yet to be resolved. So, the American people deserve to hear the truth directly from Robert Mueller in public testimony before Congress.

“At the same time, we cannot afford to lose focus on the fact that a foreign government attacked our elections,” Brown said. “Our security is bigger than any one political party, and Republicans and Democrats need to come together and do what it takes to protect our institutions. President Trump should get off of Twitter and help lead that effort.”

A version of the report with information redacted by Attorney General William Barr was released to Congress and the public about 90 minutes after a press conference Thursday morning.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she appreciated the public release of the report and reason given “for each and every redaction.”

“While some critics will never be satisfied with any conclusion that does not implicate President Trump, Robert Mueller has done his job; and I believe it’s time to move on,” she said. “Let’s get to work, focusing wholly on issues that matter to West Virginians and all Americans like jobs, the economy, infrastructure and border security.”

Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., also urged Congress to move onto other things.

“The special counsel has concluded its investigation and found no evidence of collusion,” McKinley said. “With the release of the Mueller report, I hope that we can finally move on. Some people may never accept the conclusion reached by the independent counsel, but Congress must return its full attention to addressing the issues that are affecting our country like the opioid crisis, border security and improving our nation’s infrastructure.”

The release of the report again shows there was no collusion and no obstruction between candidate Trump and his campaign and Russia, Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, said.

“It’s over. Now that the Trump-Russia ‘collusion delusion’ has finally been put to rest, the American people deserve to know how this mess started and who was behind it (by the way…we already know the why),” Johnson said. “Those responsible for perpetrating this hoax must be held accountable – and, I think they will be.”

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, was on a mission with other senators in Vietnam.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said he has yet to have a chance to read or review the report.

“But one conclusion was made clear, Russia has and will continue to interfere in our elections and we must work immediately to safeguard our democratic institutions,” Manchin said. “I look forward to reading the Mueller report and coming to my own conclusion, just like every American should. The last two years has divided our country and I’m glad the Mueller report has been released to the public for the sake of transparency and for our national healing.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today