Lindsey Graham Backs Bill to Protect Mueller, Urges Vote

By Chris Mills Rodrigo, The Hill

14 November 18

en. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday said that he would support a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller.

“I would certainly vote for it,” he told reporters, according to Reuters.

“I don’t see any movement to get rid of Mueller. But it probably would be good to have this legislation in place just for the future.” 

Graham co-sponsored a bill to protect the Mueller investigation in April 2018 that would codify Department of Justice regulations that say only a senior official can fire Mueller or another special counsel.

The special counsel is examining ties between President Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 election.

Democrats and some Republicans have raised concerns that the ouster of Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatens the investigation.

Trump replaced him with Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, who has criticized the probe in the past.

Democratic leaders, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), have called for Whitaker to recuse himself from the investigation.

"Given his record of threats to undermine & weaken the Russia investigation, Matthew Whitaker should recuse himself from any involvement in Mueller’s investigation," she tweeted. "Congress must take immediate action to protect the rule of law and integrity of the investigation."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Friday that legislation protecting Mueller was not needed because he doesn't believe President Trump will fire the special counsel.