The legislation would provide additional protections for Special Counsel Robert Mueller and future Special Counsels 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the below statement following the passage of the bipartisan Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, which passed the Committee. The legislation, supported by Senator Klobuchar and led by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) would provide additional protections for the Special Counsel.

“It is important that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation continue without interference from the White House or Congress – that includes being fired without good cause. Passing this bipartisan bill on a 14-7 vote sends a strong and meaningful message that the Senate Judiciary Committee stands up for the rule of law.”

The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act codifies existing Department of Justice regulations to ensure that the Special Counsel can only be fired for good cause by a senior Justice Department official, and the reason must be provided in writing. It also provides the Special Counsel a 10-day window in which he can seek expedited judicial review of his removal to determine whether the firing was for good cause.  If the firing is ultimately determined to have violated the good-cause requirement, the removal will not take effect. Finally, it preserves the staffing, documents, and materials of the investigation while the matter is pending.

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