McConnell calls for releasing as much of Mueller's report as possible

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellThe bizarre back story of the filibuster The Bible's wisdom about addressing our political tribalism Democrats don't trust GOP on 1/6 commission: 'These people are dangerous' MORE (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he wants special counsel Robert MuellerRobert (Bob) MuellerWhy a special counsel is guaranteed if Biden chooses Yates, Cuomo or Jones as AG Barr taps attorney investigating Russia probe origins as special counsel CNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump MORE's report on the Russia investigation to be as "open" as possible.

 

"Obviously I would like for as much as possible of the Mueller report to be open. I don't know enough about Justice Department regulations to know what part of that, you know, might make sense not to be disclosed," McConnell told reporters.

 

"I think it ought to be as fully open and transparent, whatever the recommendation is, as possible," he added.

 

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers, Sens. Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyGrassley to vote against Tanden nomination Grassley says he'll decide this fall whether to run in 2022 Yellen deputy Adeyemo on track for quick confirmation MORE (R-Iowa) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), introduced legislation on Monday that would require Mueller, or any other Justice Department special counsel, to turn over a report to Congress once the investigation ends or if they are removed or fired. An unclassified version of the report would also be publicly released.

 

McConnell was asked about the Grassley-Blumenthal bill but didn't indicate whether or not he supported it.

 

Currently under Justice Department guidelines, a special counsel sends a confidential report to the attorney general “explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached” during an investigation.

 

But the Justice Department would likely face intense pressure from both parties to make at least part of Mueller's report public. The Russia probe has been a years-long drama and source of intrigue that has dominated much of the Trump administration.

 

Trump's attorney general nominee William Barr told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing earlier this month that it was his “intent” to release as much about Mueller’s findings as he can consistent with the law. But he stopped short of pledging to release the report in its entirety.

 

“My goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can, consistent with the law,” Barr told lawmakers. “I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and I will not let personal, political or other improper interests influence my decision.”

 

Democrats have raised concerns that Barr, or Trump, could try to block the report from being released.

 

Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamOvernight Defense: Biden sends message with Syria airstrike | US intel points to Saudi crown prince in Khashoggi killing | Pentagon launches civilian-led sexual assault commission Graham: Trump will 'be helpful' to all Senate GOP incumbents John Boehner tells Cruz to 'go f--- yourself' in unscripted audiobook asides: report MORE (R-S.C.), the Judiciary Committee chairman, said during a hearing on Tuesday that Barr, if confirmed, would have "discretion" about how Mueller's report is released but said he would "just trust the guy to make good judgements."