US President Donald Trump claimed on October 8th 2018 that "the Democrats colluded with Russia".

Trump was speaking in Washington after returning from his meeting with Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

He claimed that the Obama administration did nothing when it found out about possible Russian meddling in the 2016 US elections.

Trump also commented on Jamal Khashoggi, a missing Saudi journalist, saying: "I do not like it".

When asked about superstar Taylor Swift's support for Democratic candidates in Tennessee, Trump said he liked her music "about 25 percent less now".

***

President Donald Trump says he has answered written questions from special counsel Robert Mueller but hasn't yet submitted them.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on November 16th that he answered the questions "very easily" this week but added that "you have to always be careful."

The president did not say when he would turn over the answers to Mueller as part of the ongoing investigation into possible ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Trump had huddled with lawyer at the White House this week but made clear: "my lawyers don't write answers, I write answers."

Mueller had signaled a willingness to accept written answers on matters of collusion. The White House has said it would not answer Mueller's questions on possible obstruction of justice.

The president spoke to reporters shortly after a district judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately return the White House press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta, though a lawsuit over the credentials' revocation is continuing.

Trump said "people have to behave" while in the White House and he said his staff will be "writing up rules and regulations" to guide press for future events.

The president insists he wants "total freedom of the press," but journalists "have to act with respect."

Trump didn't say what the new rules and regulations will entail.

***

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate deal in Russia.

Cohen made a surprise appearance on November 29th in a New York courtroom.

He admitted to making false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.

In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump.

One of the prosecutors working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom.

Cohen's lawyer told the judge the plea deal involved cooperation with Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the U.S. election.

***

A federal judge has agreed to delay former national security adviser Michael Flynn's sentencing so he can continue cooperating with the Russia probe.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan on December 18th set a status conference for March 2019.

Attorneys for Flynn asked the judge to postpone the sentencing. The stunning request came after Sullivan warned Flynn that if he were sentenced as scheduled Tuesday, he might not get all the credit for his cooperation with investigators that he is entitled to.

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts. Prosecutors had recommended no prison time, citing his cooperation. But the judge's rebuke raised the prospect that Flynn could get a harsher sentence.

00:55:18

00:00:00

Trump says Democrats colluded with Russia

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington DC - 8 October 2018

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Donald Trump, US President:

" Everybody understands there was no collusion with Russia. It was all made up by the Democrats. They're the ones that colluded with Russia.

00:08:16

Trump: I answered Mueller's questions very easily

4182647

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 16 November 2018

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

" I was asked a series of questions, I've answered them very easily, very easily. I'm sure they're tripped up because you know, they like to catch people, gee, you know was the weather sunny or was it rainy? He said, 'it may have been a good day. It was rainy.' Therefore he told a lie, he perjured himself. OK, so you have to always be careful when you answer questions with people that probably have bad intentions. But no it's, the questions were very routinely answered by me, by me.

00:42.04

Michael Cohen pleads guilty to lying to Congress

4184494

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York - 29 November 2018

3. Michael Cohen walks out of courthouse with lawyer

00:49:23

Flynn sentencing delayed, he's still cooperating

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington DC - 18 December 2018

4. Michael Flynn leaves courthouse, enters SUV8

Within minutes of receiving notification that special counsel Robert Mueller had turned over his report on the Russia investigation, congressional Democrats were calling for the report to be fully released, including the underlying evidence. They have threatened subpoenas if it is not.

The demands are setting up a potential tug of war between congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump's administration that federal judges might eventually have to referee.

Six Democratic committee chairmen wrote in a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Friday that if Mueller has any reason to believe that Trump "has engaged in criminal or other serious misconduct," then the Justice Department should not conceal it.

"The president is not above the law and the need for public faith in our democratic institutions and the rule of law must be the priority," the chairmen wrote.

Reacting to the release, Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu, who serves on the Judiciary Committee, told the Associated Press that "the American people paid for this report," adding "both American people and Congress have a right to see the full report. "

Lieu said although the special counsel report focused on Russia, the findings could also be used in a wide array of Judicary Committee investigations.

It's unclear what Mueller has found related to the president, or if any of it would be damning. In his investigation of whether President Donald Trump's campaign coordinated with Russia to sway the 2016 election, Mueller has already brought charges against 34 people, including six aides and advisers to the president, and three companies.

Lawmakers say they need the underlying evidence - including interviews, documents and material turned over to the grand jury - because the Justice Department has maintained that a president cannot be indicted, and also that derogatory information cannot be released about people who have not been charged. So if the investigation did find evidence incriminating against Trump, they may not be able to release it, under their own guidelines.

The Democrats say that it could be tantamount to a cover-up if the department did not let Congress and the public know what they found.

Washington - 22 March 2019

1. Wide, exterior view of Department of Justice

Los Angeles - 3 May 2018

2. STILL Image, Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California, Member of House Judiciary Committee

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Today is a proud day for America. Despite many attempts by Donald Trump to block this investigation Robert Mueller and his team were able to complete it. The fact that Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein kept their jobs I think is a strong testament to the vitality and strength of our institutions. This was a Republican led investigation of a Republican president and it was allowed to continue. I think that says a lot about America."

Washington - 22 March 2019

4. Wide, exterior view of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Now in terms of distribution, the American people paid for this report. It is a matter of intense national interest and under both the separation of powers as well as just general fairness and transparency, both American people and Congress have a right to see the full report. "

Washington - 22 March 2019

6. Wide, exterior view of Department of Justice ++NIGHT SHOT++

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"It's hard to know without knowing what's in the actual report. It's also important to understand that because the Department of Justice has taken the position that they won't indict a sitting president then the only other institution that can hold the press accountable is Congress. And we can't do that if we don't see the full report. So, that at every level when you look at it from separation of powers or the functions of both Congress and the special counsel in this case, the different functions we have to see the entire report."

Washington - 22 March 2019

8. Wide, people standing in front of White House

9. Close-up protester

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Special Counsel Mueller's investigation was largely centered on Russia. The House Judiciary Committee and other committees were interested in knowing did Donald Trump, his family, his associates commit any crime? Second, did they engage in any ethical misconduct, whether or not it rose to the level of a federal crime? And third how do we explain this to the American people to keep it from happening again?"

Washington - 22 March 2019

11. Wide, tourists walking in front of White House

12. Wide, White House ++NIGHT SHOT++

Within minutes of receiving notification that special counsel Robert Mueller had turned over his report on the Russia investigation, US congressional Democrats were calling for the report to be fully released, including the underlying evidence. They have threatened subpoenas if it is not.

The demands are setting up a potential tug of war between congressional Democrats and US President Donald Trump's administration that federal judges might eventually have to referee.

Six Democratic committee chairmen wrote in a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Friday that if Mueller has any reason to believe that Trump "has engaged in criminal or other serious misconduct," then the Justice Department should not conceal it.

"The president is not above the law and the need for public faith in our democratic institutions and the rule of law must be the priority," the chairmen wrote.

Reacting to the release, Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu, who serves on the Judiciary Committee, told the Associated Press that "the American people paid for this report," adding "both American people and Congress have a right to see the full report. "

Lieu said although the special counsel report focused on Russia, the findings could also be used in a wide array of Judicary Committee investigations.

It's unclear what Mueller has found related to the president, or if any of it would be damning. In his investigation of whether President Donald Trump's campaign coordinated with Russia to sway the 2016 election, Mueller has already brought charges against 34 people, including six aides and advisers to the president, and three companies.

Lawmakers say they need the underlying evidence - including interviews, documents and material turned over to the grand jury - because the Justice Department has maintained that a president cannot be indicted, and also that derogatory information cannot be released about people who have not been charged. So if the investigation did find evidence incriminating against Trump, they may not be able to release it, under their own guidelines.

The Democrats say that it could be tantamount to a cover-up if the department did not let Congress and the public know what they found.

Washington DC - 22 March 2019

1. Wide, exterior view of Department of Justice

Los Angeles - 3 May 2018

2. STILL Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California, Member of House Judiciary Committee

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Today is a proud day for America. Despite many attempts by Donald Trump to block this investigation Robert Mueller and his team were able to complete it. The fact that Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein kept their jobs I think is a strong testament to the vitality and strength of our institutions. This was a Republican led investigation of a Republican president and it was allowed to continue. I think that says a lot about America."

Washington DC - 22 March 2019

4. Wide, exterior view of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Now in terms of distribution, the American people paid for this report. It is a matter of intense national interest and under both the separation of powers as well as just general fairness and transparency, both American people and Congress have a right to see the full report."

Washington DC - 22 March 2019

6. Wide, exterior view of Department of Justice ++NIGHT SHOT++

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"It's hard to know without knowing what's in the actual report. It's also important to understand that because the Department of Justice has taken the position that they won't indict a sitting president then the only other institution that can hold the press accountable is Congress. And we can't do that if we don't see the full report. So, that at every level when you look at it from separation of powers or the functions of both Congress and the special counsel in this case, the different functions we have to see the entire report."

Washington DC - 22 March 2019

8. Wide, people standing in front of White House

9. Close-up protester

Torrence, California - 22 March 2019

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Ted Lieu, Democrat - California: ++ AUDIO ONLY++

"Special Counsel Mueller's investigation was largely centered on Russia. The House Judiciary Committee and other committees were interested in knowing did Donald Trump, his family, his associates commit any crime? Second, did they engage in any ethical misconduct, whether or not it rose to the level of a federal crime? And third how do we explain this to the American people to keep it from happening again?"

Washington DC - 22 March 2019

11. Wide, tourists walking in front of White House

12. Wide, White House ++NIGHT SHOT++

As Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein prepares for a face-to-face showdown Thursday with President Donald Trump, there are indications he won't be fired, but a voluntary resignation isn't out of the question.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, speaking to reporters during a media availability with other GOP leaders, said "we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein."

Ryan said in the news conference that special counsel Robert Mueller should be free to complete his work and that he did not believe that he would be fired.

"I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't like the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about," said Ryan.

Rosenstein is Mueller's boss. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from the Russia probe, to Trump's great frustration, and left the duties of overseeing the investigation to Rosenstein.

After Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to take over the investigation.

Rosenstein is acting in Sessions' place to oversee the probe and has the power to fire Mueller - for cause - under Justice Department guidelines.

Rosenstein makes nearly all the pivotal decisions in the Mueller investigation, including signing off on indictments.

Drama swirls around the job security of Rod Rosenstein who was reported last week to have floated the idea of secretly recording the president last year and to have raised the idea of using the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

He will meet with Trump at the White House, also on Thursday.

Speaker Ryan also voiced support of the Senate Judiciary Committee's handling of the confirmation process of President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Washington - 26 September 2018

1. Wide of GOP leaders walking into press availability

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan , Speaker of the House:

" First the president obviously should have political appointees that he has faith and confidence in. He's meeting with the president tomorrow. So I think we shouldn't step in in the way of that we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein. I hope they have a good productive conversation. And I think that's that's helpful. I'll say it. I've said this all along. The special prosecutor - the special counsel excuse me should be free to complete his work. That goes without saying and it should be free to complete its work without any political interference. I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't think the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about. Yeah yeah. Sorry not Rosenstein, Mueller.

3. Wide of Rep. Paul Ryan and GOP leaders zoom

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

"Well I think that's that's what the hearing is about. First of all I think that Chuck Grassley has handled this professional way. I think it's important that both are heard the accuser and Judge Kavanaugh. I would say that the professional way that this had been treated by the Senate Judiciary Committee stands in stark contrast to the way the Senate Democrats have handled this, sitting on this for weeks. Dropping it after the hearings to try and implode this nomination. So I think it's fitting and proper that they hear from both sides this week and then I'll defer to the Senate on how and when to act. (Reporter: Do you think there should be a reopening-- Inaudible) No, I think they should do exactly what they're doing I think they're doing a good job."

5. Wide of Rep. Paul Ryan and GOP leaders zoom

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

" Look I will defer to the Judiciary Committee. I don't micromanage the committees around here. I'll defer to the Judiciary Committee as to what kind of hearings they want to have what kind of witnesses they want to have. But I would say this if you're going to stack the credibility of Rod Rosenstein against Andy McCabe who was fired for lying. I'll go with Rod Rosenstein. I'll leave it at that."

7. Wide of GOP leaders walking out of press availability

Republican members of Congress are challenging the U.S. deputy attorney general about the political leanings of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigative team.

The questioning of Rod Rosenstein on Wednesday comes one day after Congress received from the Justice Department derogatory text messages about President Donald Trump from two FBI officials.

The text messages ended in late 2016, and the two officials were later assigned to Mueller's team. That group is investigating potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Rosenstein defended Mueller's investigation, saying he's seen no good cause to fire Mueller.

Rosenstein also says there's a difference between political affiliation and political bias. He says Justice Department officials are entitled to political views but cannot allow them to influence their actions.

POOL

Washington, D.C. - 13 December 2017

1. Wide of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein entering hearing room

2. Various, Rosenstein being sworn in

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Jerry Nadler, (D) Ranking Member of House Judiciary Committee and Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General: ++VARIOUS CAMERA ANGLES DURING EXCHANGE++

(Nadler) "In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you said that you would only fire Special Counsel Mueller for good cause, and that you had not seen any yet. Several months have passed since then. Have you seen good cause to fire Special Counsel Mueller?" (Rod Rosenstein) "No." (Nadler) "Thank you. If you were ordered today to fire Mr. Mueller, what would you do?" (Rosenstein) As I have explained previously, I would fire the regulation, if there were good cause, I would act. If there were no good cause, I would not." (Nadler) "And you have seen no good cause so far." (Rosenstein) "Correct." (Nadler) "Thank you."

4. Wide of committee members

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R) Chairman, House Judiciary Committee

"Reports on the political predisposition and potential bias of certain career agents and department lawyers on Special Counsel Mueller's team are deeply troubling to all citizens who expect a system of blind and equal justice. The Department of Justice investigations must not be tainted by individuals imposing their own political prejudices. We are now beginning to understand the magnitude of this insider bias on Mr. Mueller's team."

6. Mid of committee members

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R) Chairman, House Judiciary Committee

"According to the documents produced last night to this committee, Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page referred to the president as "an utter idiot," "a loathsome human," and "awful," while continually praising Hillary Clinton and the Obamas. These text messages prove what we all suspected, high ranking FBI officials involved in the Clinton investigation were personally invested in the outcome of the election, and clearly let their strong political opinions cloud their professional judgment."

8. Mid of committee members

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Jerry Nadler, (D) Ranking Member, House Judiciary Committee ++CONTAINS CUTAWAYS FROM SOURCE++

"According to the Department, the Office of the Inspector General informed Special Counsel Mueller of the existence of these text messages between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page on July 27, 2017, the text you sent us last night. Mr. Mueller immediately concluded that Mr. Strzok could no longer participate in the investigation, and he was removed from the team the same day. Did Mr. Mueller take appropriate action in this case." (Rosenstein) "Yes, he did." (Nadler) "Thank you."

10. Wide of committee members

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General

"When wrongdoing occurs, we are more likely to discover it, and we remedy it. That is critical to building and maintaining public confidence. Over the past eight months, I have spoken with thousand of Department employees around the country. I remind them that justice is not only our name, but justice is our mission. Justice requires a fair and impartial process. That's why we have a special responsibility to follow ethical and professional standards."

12. Wide of committee members

US Democrats are pressing for full disclosure of special counsel Robert Mueller's report on the Russia investigation and vowing to use subpoena powers and other legal means if necessary to get it.

US Attorney General William Barr was expected to release his first summary of Mueller's findings on Sunday, people familiar with the process said, on what lawmakers anticipated could be a day of reckoning in the two-year probe into President Donald Trump and Russian efforts to elect him.

Since receiving the report on Friday, Barr has been deciding how much of it Congress and the public will see.

Democrats are on a hair trigger over the prospect that some information may be withheld.

Mueller submitted his report to Barr instead of directly to the public because, unlike independent counsels such as Ken Starr, his investigation operated under the close supervision of the Justice Department, which appointed him.

Mueller was assigned to the job in May 2017 by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversaw much of his work, and the regulations governing his appointment require that he submit a confidential report to the Justice Department at the conclusion of his investigation.

That's in direct contrast to Starr, who did not report to Justice Department leadership and was empowered to release on his own his exhaustive report detailing his investigation into the relationship between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.

Barr and Rosenstein analyzed Mueller's report on Saturday, labouring to condense it into a summary letter of main conclusions.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

1. US Congressman John Garamendi approaching media

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 19 March 2019

2. Various exterior shots of US Department of Justice

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Democratic congressman John Garamendi of California:

"All Democrats and Republicans said it very clearly; all of the information has to be made available. Put it all out, put it on the table, let the American public see what's going on here. And for the committees, the six committees that are doing their investigation, they need that information. It'll confirm many of the witnesses, or maybe it'll show many of the witnesses didn't tell the truth. So, we need to get to the bottom of it. Ultimately, we're going to have to protect our democracy. And it's absolutely clear that Russia was involved, did try to influence, the 2016 election."

4. Attorney General William Barr leaving his home  

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Democratic congressman John Garamendi of California:

"There are six investigations underway in Congress. There are investigations that are continuing in the Senate. The information in the Mueller report, I believe, will be very very important to those investigations and we'll see what is in the report. The committees will use that information and that will be helpful. Helpful for all of us to understand what's going on."

6. Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington state walking toward camera

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington:

"We have demanded and asked for, the report to be released in its entirety. So even if we get some top line conclusions today, the reality is we need to see the whole thing. We have heard that perhaps it will come soon in terms of the top line conclusions. But I am worried that we have not heard for sure that we're going to get the whole report and that's what we need to see."

POOL

Palm Beach, Florida - 22 March 2019

8. US President Donald Trump walks off Air Force One after landing in Palm Beach

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington:

"Well, you know, Barr in his letter to us sort of implied that he was going to look through it. He said he was going to release top line conclusions. There is lots of precedent to release the whole thing. Somehow that he would summarise it, which I'm not, I don't want his summary, I want Bob Mueller's report. So that's what we're pushing for."

10. Jayapal walking away after interview

Democrats are pressing for full disclosure of special counsel Robert Mueller's report on the Russia investigation and vowing to use subpoena powers and other legal means if necessary to get it.

Attorney General William Barr was expected to release his first summary of Mueller's findings on Sunday, people familiar with the process said, on what lawmakers anticipated could be a day of reckoning in the two-year probe into President Donald Trump and Russian efforts to elect him.

Since receiving the report Friday, Barr has been deciding how much of it Congress and the public will see.

Democrats are on a hair trigger over the prospect that some information may be withheld.

Mueller submitted his report to Barr instead of directly to the public because, unlike independent counsels such as Ken Starr, his investigation operated under the close supervision of the Justice Department, which appointed him.

Mueller was assigned to the job in May 2017 by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversaw much of his work, and the regulations governing his appointment require that he submit a confidential report to the Justice Department at the conclusion of his investigation.

That's in direct contrast to Starr, who did not report to Justice Department leadership and was empowered to release on his own his exhaustive report detailing his investigation into the relationship between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.

Barr and Rosenstein analyzed Mueller's report on Saturday, laboring to condense it into a summary letter of main conclusions.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

1. Rep. John Garamendi of California walks to camera

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 19 March 2019

2. Various of exterior of Department of Justice

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. John Garamendi, (D) California

"All Democrats and Republicans said it very clearly. All of the information has to be made available. Put it all out, put it on the table, let the American public see what's going on here. And for the committees, the six committees that are doing their investigation, they need that information. It'll confirm many of the witnesses, or maybe it'll show many of the witnesses didn't tell the truth. So, we need to get to the bottom of it. Ultimately we're going to have to protect our democracy. And it's absolutely clear that Russia was involved, did try to influence the 2016 election."

4. Attorney General William Barr leaving home to go to work at Justice Dept.

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. John Garamendi, (D) California

"There are six investigations underway in Congress. There are investigations that are continuing the Senate. The information in the Mueller report, I believe will be very very important to those investigations, and we'll see what is in the report. The committees will use that information and that will be helpful. Helpful for all of us to understand what's going on."

6. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state walking toward camera

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Pramila Jayapal, (D) Washington

"We have demanded, and asked for, the report to be released in its entirety. So even if we get some top line conclusions today, the reality is we need to see the whole thing. We have heard that perhaps it will come soon in terms of the top line conclusions. But,I am worried that we have not heard for sure that we're going to get the whole report and that's what we need to see."

POOL

Palm Beach, Florida - 22 March 2019

8. Donald Trump walks off Air Force One after landing in Palm Beach

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington, DC - 24 March 2019

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Pramila Jayapal, (D) Washington

"Well, you know, Barr in his letter to us sort of implied that he was going to look through it. He said he was going to release top line conclusions. There is lots of precedent to release the whole thing. Somehow that he would summarize it, which I'm not, I don't want his summary, I want Bob Mueller's report. So that's what we're pushing for."

10. Rep. Jayapal walking away after interview

A group of conservative House lawmakers are calling for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate whether misconduct took place in the FBI and the Justice Department.

The move follows a White House announcement that top FBI and Justice Department officials have agreed to meet with congressional leaders and "review" highly classified information the lawmakers have been seeking on the handling of the probe.

The agreement came after President Donald Trump made an extraordinary demand that the Justice Department investigate whether the FBI infiltrated his presidential campaign. It's unclear exactly what the members will be allowed to review or if the Justice Department will be providing any documents to Congress.

During a meeting Monday with Trump, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray also reiterated an announcement late Sunday that the Justice Department's inspector general will expand an existing investigation into the Russia probe by examining whether there was any improper politically motivated surveillance.

Rep. Devin Nunes, an ardent Trump supporter and head of the House Intelligence Committee, has been demanding information on an FBI source in the Russia investigation.

And Trump has taken up the cause as the White House tries to combat the threat posed by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Washington - 22 May 2018

1. Republican members of Congress walk into room

++SEPARATED BY BLACK++

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"Good morning everybody and thank you for coming out. We have at least 19 members of Congress who will be introducing today a 12 page House resolution detailing misconduct at the highest levels of the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be outlining FISA (US Foreign Intelligence Survaillance Court) abuse. How and why the Hillary Clinton email probe ended and how and why the Trump-Russia probe began. This resolution also calls for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate the gross misconduct with the understanding that the Justice Department cannot be expected to investigate itself. It's very important to note that the ranks of the DOJ and FBI are filled with amazing patriotic Americans who love their job, take their oath seriously and perform their jobs objectively with much respect for the rule of law. These are historic, legendary agencies that require transparency and accountability regarding the misconduct that took place. It is important for these exceptional public servants and these important agencies to continue their work moving forward stronger than ever before. As the resolution states, the concerns of the American people are serious and the issues requiring an immediate, unbiased, independent and thorough investigation are broad. In just the past few days, we learned that the DOJ, FBI or both appeared to have planted at least one person into Donald Trump's presidential campaign to infiltrate and surveil the campaign. This action alone reminds us of just how necessary this resolution is, as well as the appointment of a second special counsel."

3. Wide of news conference

4. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"In conclusion, I would just like to point out that while many in the media and American public have been trying to bring down the president without evidence the president Trump colluded with Russia to win the election. There is a ton of actual evidence of real misconduct that those same people had been attempting to completely sweep under the rug. I believe legal scales of justice, that no one is above the law. That includes anyone regardless of last name and that even includes people at the highest levels of the DOJ and FBI, especially when misconduct is committed in the performance of their duties while trying to take down elected officials and candidates. No official at the Justice Department can ever allow their own political bias to overwhelm their own objectivity and responsible performance of their duties. A second special counsel must be appointed and transparency and accountability is demanded for these great, legendary historic agencies. With that we are confident that these great agencies will be able to move forward stronger than they ever were before."

5. Wide of news conference

6. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Mark Meadows, (R) North Carolina/Freedom Caucus Chair:

"Even today, we continue to see leaks come out of the Department of Justice and FBI, spinning a narrative that quite frankly is not supported by the facts. So it's time that we get to the facts. It's time that we appoint a second special counsel."

7. Wide of news conference

A group of conservative House lawmakers are calling for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate whether misconduct took place in the FBI and the Justice Department.

The move follows a White House announcement that top FBI and Justice Department officials have agreed to meet with congressional leaders and "review" highly classified information the lawmakers have been seeking on the handling of the probe.

The agreement came after President Donald Trump made an extraordinary demand that the Justice Department investigate whether the FBI infiltrated his presidential campaign. It's unclear exactly what the members will be allowed to review or if the Justice Department will be providing any documents to Congress.

During a meeting Monday with Trump, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray also reiterated an announcement late Sunday that the Justice Department's inspector general will expand an existing investigation into the Russia probe by examining whether there was any improper politically motivated surveillance.

Rep. Devin Nunes, an ardent Trump supporter and head of the House Intelligence Committee, has been demanding information on an FBI source in the Russia investigation.

And Trump has taken up the cause as the White House tries to combat the threat posed by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Washington DC - 22 May 2018

1. Republican members of Congress walk into room

++SEPARATED BY BLACK++

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"Good morning everybody and thank you for coming out. We have at least 19 members of Congress who will be introducing today a 12 page House resolution detailing misconduct at the highest levels of the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be outlining FISA (US Foreign Intelligence Survaillance Court) abuse. How and why the Hillary Clinton email probe ended and how and why the Trump-Russia probe began. This resolution also calls for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate the gross misconduct with the understanding that the Justice Department cannot be expected to investigate itself. It's very important to note that the ranks of the DOJ and FBI are filled with amazing patriotic Americans who love their job, take their oath seriously and perform their jobs objectively with much respect for the rule of law. These are historic, legendary agencies that require transparency and accountability regarding the misconduct that took place. It is important for these exceptional public servants and these important agencies to continue their work moving forward stronger than ever before. As the resolution states, the concerns of the American people are serious and the issues requiring an immediate, unbiased, independent and thorough investigation are broad. In just the past few days, we learned that the DOJ, FBI or both appeared to have planted at least one person into Donald Trump's presidential campaign to infiltrate and surveil the campaign. This action alone reminds us of just how necessary this resolution is, as well as the appointment of a second special counsel."

3. Wide of news conference

4. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"In conclusion, I would just like to point out that while many in the media and American public have been trying to bring down the president without evidence the president Trump colluded with Russia to win the election. There is a ton of actual evidence of real misconduct that those same people had been attempting to completely sweep under the rug. I believe legal scales of justice, that no one is above the law. That includes anyone regardless of last name and that even includes people at the highest levels of the DOJ and FBI, especially when misconduct is committed in the performance of their duties while trying to take down elected officials and candidates. No official at the Justice Department can ever allow their own political bias to overwhelm their own objectivity and responsible performance of their duties. A second special counsel must be appointed and transparency and accountability is demanded for these great, legendary historic agencies. With that we are confident that these great agencies will be able to move forward stronger than they ever were before."

5. Wide of news conference

6. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Mark Meadows, (R) North Carolina/Freedom Caucus Chair:

"Even today, we continue to see leaks come out of the Department of Justice and FBI, spinning a narrative that quite frankly is not supported by the facts. So it's time that we get to the facts. It's time that we appoint a second special counsel."

7. Wide of news conference

As Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein prepares for a face-to-face showdown Thursday with President Donald Trump, there are indications he won't be fired, but a voluntary resignation isn't out of the question.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, speaking to reporters during a media availability with other GOP leaders, said "we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein."

Ryan said in the news conference that special counsel Robert Mueller should be free to complete his work and that he did not believe that he would be fired.

"I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't like the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about," said Ryan.

Rosenstein is Mueller's boss. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from the Russia probe, to Trump's great frustration, and left the duties of overseeing the investigation to Rosenstein.

After Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to take over the investigation.

Rosenstein is acting in Sessions' place to oversee the probe and has the power to fire Mueller - for cause - under Justice Department guidelines.

Rosenstein makes nearly all the pivotal decisions in the Mueller investigation, including signing off on indictments.

Drama swirls around the job security of Rod Rosenstein who was reported last week to have floated the idea of secretly recording the president last year and to have raised the idea of using the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

He will meet with Trump at the White House, also on Thursday.

Speaker Ryan also voiced support of the Senate Judiciary Committee's handling of the confirmation process of President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Washington - 26 September 2018

1. Wide of GOP leaders walking into press availability

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan , Speaker of the House:

" First the president obviously should have political appointees that he has faith and confidence in. He's meeting with the president tomorrow. So I think we shouldn't step in in the way of that we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein. I hope they have a good productive conversation. And I think that's that's helpful. I'll say it. I've said this all along. The special prosecutor - the special counsel excuse me should be free to complete his work. That goes without saying and it should be free to complete its work without any political interference. I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't think the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about. Yeah yeah. Sorry not Rosenstein, Mueller.

3. Wide of Rep. Paul Ryan and GOP leaders zoom

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

"Well I think that's that's what the hearing is about. First of all I think that Chuck Grassley has handled this professional way. I think it's important that both are heard the accuser and Judge Kavanaugh. I would say that the professional way that this had been treated by the Senate Judiciary Committee stands in stark contrast to the way the Senate Democrats have handled this, sitting on this for weeks. Dropping it after the hearings to try and implode this nomination. So I think it's fitting and proper that they hear from both sides this week and then I'll defer to the Senate on how and when to act. (Reporter: Do you think there should be a reopening-- Inaudible) No, I think they should do exactly what they're doing I think they're doing a good job."

5. Wide of Rep. Paul Ryan and GOP leaders zoom

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

" Look I will defer to the Judiciary Committee. I don't micromanage the committees around here. I'll defer to the Judiciary Committee as to what kind of hearings they want to have what kind of witnesses they want to have. But I would say this if you're going to stack the credibility of Rod Rosenstein against Andy McCabe who was fired for lying. I'll go with Rod Rosenstein. I'll leave it at that."

7. Wide of GOP leaders walking out of press availability

As Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein prepares for a face-to-face showdown Thursday with President Donald Trump, there are indications he won't be fired, but a voluntary resignation isn't out of the question.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, speaking to reporters during a media availability with other GOP leaders, said "we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein."

Ryan said in the news conference that special counsel Robert Mueller should be free to complete his work and that he did not believe that he would be fired.

"I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't like the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about," said Ryan.

Rosenstein is Mueller's boss. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from the Russia probe, to Trump's great frustration, and left the duties of overseeing the investigation to Rosenstein.

After Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to take over the investigation.

Rosenstein is acting in Sessions' place to oversee the probe and has the power to fire Mueller - for cause - under Justice Department guidelines.

Rosenstein makes nearly all the pivotal decisions in the Mueller investigation, including signing off on indictments.

Drama swirls around the job security of Rod Rosenstein who was reported last week to have floated the idea of secretly recording the president last year and to have raised the idea of using the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

He will meet with Trump at the White House, also on Thursday.

Speaker Ryan also voiced support of the Senate Judiciary Committee's handling of the confirmation process of President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Washington - 26 September 2018

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan , Speaker of the House:

" First the president obviously should have political appointees that he has faith and confidence in. He's meeting with the president tomorrow. So I think we shouldn't step in in the way of that we should let the president work it out with Rod Rosenstein. I hope they have a good productive conversation. And I think that's that's helpful. I'll say it. I've said this all along. The special prosecutor - the special counsel excuse me should be free to complete his work. That goes without saying and it should be free to complete its work without any political interference. I don't think he will be fired. I don't think the president's going to fire him. I don't think the president should fire him. Mueller, I'm talking about. Yeah yeah. Sorry not Rosenstein, Mueller."

Washington - 24 May 2018

2. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, departs the Capitol through a basement corridor (PARTIALLY COVERS PREVIOUS SOUNDBITE)

Washington - 28 July 2010

3.Robert Mueller testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington (PARTIALLY COVERS PREVIOUS SOUNDBITE)

Washington - 21 June 2017

4.Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs the Capitol (PARTIALLY COVERS PREVIOUS SOUNDBITE)

Washington - 26 September 2018

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

" Look I will defer to the Judiciary Committee. I don't micromanage the committees around here. I'll defer to the Judiciary Committee as to what kind of hearings they want to have what kind of witnesses they want to have. But I would say this if you're going to stack the credibility of Rod Rosenstein against Andy McCabe who was fired for lying. I'll go with Rod Rosenstein."

Washington - 6 September 2018

6. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh reacts as he testifies after questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee (PARTIALLY COVERS UPCOMING SOUNDBITE)

Washington - 26 September 2018

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

"Well I think that's that's what the hearing is about. First of all I think that Chuck Grassley has handled this professional way. I think it's important that both are heard the accuser and Judge Kavanaugh. I would say that the professional way that this had been treated by the Senate Judiciary Committee stands in stark contrast to the way the Senate Democrats have handled this, sitting on this for weeks. Dropping it after the hearings to try and implode this nomination. So I think it's fitting and proper that they hear from both sides this week and then I'll defer to the Senate on how and when to act. (Reporter: Do you think there should be a reopening-- Inaudible) No, I think they should do exactly what they're doing I think they're doing a good job."

A group of conservative House lawmakers are calling for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate whether misconduct took place in the FBI and the Justice Department.

The move follows a White House announcement that top FBI and Justice Department officials have agreed to meet with congressional leaders and "review" highly classified information the lawmakers have been seeking on the handling of the probe.

The agreement came after President Donald Trump made an extraordinary demand that the Justice Department investigate whether the FBI infiltrated his presidential campaign. It's unclear exactly what the members will be allowed to review or if the Justice Department will be providing any documents to Congress.

During a meeting Monday with Trump, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray also reiterated an announcement late Sunday that the Justice Department's inspector general will expand an existing investigation into the Russia probe by examining whether there was any improper politically motivated surveillance.

Rep. Devin Nunes, an ardent Trump supporter and head of the House Intelligence Committee, has been demanding information on an FBI source in the Russia investigation.

And Trump has taken up the cause as the White House tries to combat the threat posed by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Washington - 22 May 2018

1. Republican members of Congress walk into room

++SEPARATED BY BLACK++

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"Good morning everybody and thank you for coming out. We have at least 19 members of Congress who will be introducing today a 12 page House resolution detailing misconduct at the highest levels of the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be outlining FISA (US Foreign Intelligence Survaillance Court) abuse. How and why the Hillary Clinton email probe ended and how and why the Trump-Russia probe began. This resolution also calls for the appointment of a second special counsel to investigate the gross misconduct with the understanding that the Justice Department cannot be expected to investigate itself. It's very important to note that the ranks of the DOJ and FBI are filled with amazing patriotic Americans who love their job, take their oath seriously and perform their jobs objectively with much respect for the rule of law. These are historic, legendary agencies that require transparency and accountability regarding the misconduct that took place. It is important for these exceptional public servants and these important agencies to continue their work moving forward stronger than ever before. As the resolution states, the concerns of the American people are serious and the issues requiring an immediate, unbiased, independent and thorough investigation are broad. In just the past few days, we learned that the DOJ, FBI or both appeared to have planted at least one person into Donald Trump's presidential campaign to infiltrate and surveil the campaign. This action alone reminds us of just how necessary this resolution is, as well as the appointment of a second special counsel."

3. Wide of news conference

4. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Lee Zeldin, (R) New York:

"In conclusion, I would just like to point out that while many in the media and American public have been trying to bring down the president without evidence the president Trump colluded with Russia to win the election. There is a ton of actual evidence of real misconduct that those same people had been attempting to completely sweep under the rug. I believe legal scales of justice, that no one is above the law. That includes anyone regardless of last name and that even includes people at the highest levels of the DOJ and FBI, especially when misconduct is committed in the performance of their duties while trying to take down elected officials and candidates. No official at the Justice Department can ever allow their own political bias to overwhelm their own objectivity and responsible performance of their duties. A second special counsel must be appointed and transparency and accountability is demanded for these great, legendary historic agencies. With that we are confident that these great agencies will be able to move forward stronger than they ever were before."

5. Wide of news conference

6. SOUNDBITE (English): Rep. Mark Meadows, (R) North Carolina/Freedom Caucus Chair:

"Even today, we continue to see leaks come out of the Department of Justice and FBI, spinning a narrative that quite frankly is not supported by the facts. So it's time that we get to the facts. It's time that we appoint a second special counsel."

7. Wide of news conference

House Democrats and Republicans battled over the recently released Justice Department's IG report on the FBI and the 2016 election during a Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday.

The report, authored by Michael Horowitz, blasted FBI actions during the 2016 investigation into whether Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, had mishandled classified information on her private email server when she was secretary of state.

Republicans have become increasingly skeptical of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and Trump's Republican presidential campaign.

They've been saying they're not convinced by the report's conclusion that the decision to spare Clinton from criminal charges was free from bias, or by reassurances that the problems were limited to just a handful of employees

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second," said Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina.

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation," said Republican colleague Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.

"It confirms that Mrs Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation," Goodlatte said.

Democrats, however, battled back.

"Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we opened an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?" said Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler.

"The Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this," added Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland.   

Monday, Horowitz appeared with FBI Director Christoper Wray before a senate panel.

Wray said that the FBI is determined to not repeat any of the mistakes identified in the watchdog report.

Days earlier, President Donald Trump asserted the report exonerated him.

"There was no collusion.  There was no obstruction," the president told reporters. "And I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

Although the report criticized former FBI Director James Comey for multiple decisions that investigators said broke from protocol. But the inspector general said it found no evidence that political bias affected the outcome of the investigation.

And the report focused only on the FBI's actions during the 2016 election, not the Mueller investigation.

POOL

Washington, DC - 19 June 2018

1. Wide of House lawmakers on dais at hearing

2. Mid of Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz at witness table

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Trey Gowdy, (R) South Carolina

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second. They prejudged the outcome of the Hillary Clinton investigation before the investigation ended, and these exact same FBI agents and attorneys prejudged the outcome of the Russian investigation before it even began."

4. Mid of lawmakers on dais

5. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Jerry Nadler, (D) New York

"Why is it that after the Department of Justice and the FBI concluded they should not charge Secretary Clinton with a crime, rather than accepting the conclusion as we would in most criminal cases, the judiciary and oversight majorities launched an investigation into the Department of Justice and the FBI? Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we open an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?"

7. Mid of lawmakers on dais

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R) Virginia

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation. It confirms that Mrs. Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation."

9. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Elijah Cummings, (D) Maryland:

"The Republicans point to some individual expressions of bias, and these are facts the inspector general already revealed. Instead the Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this."  

11. Wide of lawmakers on dais

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus099334

House Democrats and Republicans battled over the recently released Justice Department's IG report on the FBI and the 2016 election during a Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday.

The report, authored by Michael Horowitz, blasted FBI actions during the 2016 investigation into whether Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, had mishandled classified information on her private email server when she was secretary of state.

Republicans have become increasingly skeptical of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and Trump's Republican presidential campaign.

They've been saying they're not convinced by the report's conclusion that the decision to spare Clinton from criminal charges was free from bias, or by reassurances that the problems were limited to just a handful of employees

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second," said Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina.

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation," said Republican colleague Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.

"It confirms that Mrs Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation," Goodlatte said.

Democrats, however, battled back.

"Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we opened an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?" said Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler.

"The Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this," added Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland.   

Monday, Horowitz appeared with FBI Director Christoper Wray before a senate panel.

Wray said that the FBI is determined to not repeat any of the mistakes identified in the watchdog report.

Days earlier, President Donald Trump asserted the report exonerated him.

"There was no collusion.  There was no obstruction," the president told reporters. "And I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

Although the report criticized former FBI Director James Comey for multiple decisions that investigators said broke from protocol. But the inspector general said it found no evidence that political bias affected the outcome of the investigation.

And the report focused only on the FBI's actions during the 2016 election, not the Mueller investigation.

POOL

Washington, DC - 19 June 2018

+++WHITE FLASHES BETWEEN SOUNDBITES+++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Trey Gowdy, (R) South Carolina +++SOT PARTIALLY COVERED WITH BROLL+++

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second. They prejudged the outcome of the Hillary Clinton investigation before the investigation ended, and these exact same FBI agents and attorneys prejudged the outcome of the Russian investigation before it even began."

2. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Jerry Nadler, (D) New York +++SOT PARTIALLY COVERED WITH BROLL+++

"Why is it that after the Department of Justice and the FBI concluded they should not charge Secretary Clinton with a crime, rather than accepting the conclusion as we would in most criminal cases, the judiciary and oversight majorities launched an investigation into the Department of Justice and the FBI? Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we open an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?"

4. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R) Virginia

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation. It confirms that Mrs. Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation."  

+++WHITE FLASH+++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Elijah Cummings, (D) Maryland:

"The Republicans point to some individual expressions of bias, and these are facts the inspector general already revealed. Instead the Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this."

House Democrats and Republicans battled over the recently released Justice Department's IG report on the FBI and the 2016 election during a Capitol Hill hearing Tuesday.

The report, authored by Michael Horowitz, blasted FBI actions during the 2016 investigation into whether Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, had mishandled classified information on her private email server when she was secretary of state.

Republicans have become increasingly skeptical of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and Trump's Republican presidential campaign.

They've been saying they're not convinced by the report's conclusion that the decision to spare Clinton from criminal charges was free from bias, or by reassurances that the problems were limited to just a handful of employees

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second," said Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina.

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation," said Republican colleague Bob Goodlatte of Virginia.

"It confirms that Mrs Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation," Goodlatte said.

Democrats, however, battled back.

"Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we opened an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?" said Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler.

"The Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this," added Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland.   

Monday, Horowitz appeared with FBI Director Christoper Wray before a senate panel.

Wray said that the FBI is determined to not repeat any of the mistakes identified in the watchdog report.

Days earlier, President Donald Trump asserted the report exonerated him.

"There was no collusion.  There was no obstruction," the president told reporters. "And I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited."

Although the report criticized former FBI Director James Comey for multiple decisions that investigators said broke from protocol. But the inspector general said it found no evidence that political bias affected the outcome of the investigation.

And the report focused only on the FBI's actions during the 2016 election, not the Mueller investigation.

POOL

Washington, DC - 19 June 2018

1. Wide of House lawmakers on dais at hearing

2. Mid of Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz at witness table

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Trey Gowdy, (R) South Carolina

"There were FBI agents and attorneys who decided to prejudge the outcome of the Hillary Clinton case before the investigation ended. I want you let that sink in for a second. They prejudged the outcome of the Hillary Clinton investigation before the investigation ended, and these exact same FBI agents and attorneys prejudged the outcome of the Russian investigation before it even began."

4. Mid of lawmakers on dais

5. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Jerry Nadler, (D) New York

"Why is it that after the Department of Justice and the FBI concluded they should not charge Secretary Clinton with a crime, rather than accepting the conclusion as we would in most criminal cases, the judiciary and oversight majorities launched an investigation into the Department of Justice and the FBI? Why is it that after you released this report, Mr. Horowitz, some of my colleagues seriously suggested that we open an investigation into your investigation, of the investigation?"

7. Mid of lawmakers on dais

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R) Virginia

"The IG's report has spawned more questions and more theories about the FBI and DOJ's handling of the Clinton investigation. It confirms that Mrs. Clinton did in fact receive special treatment from the Obama Justice Department and FBI during their investigation."

9. Mid of Horowitz at witness table

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Elijah Cummings, (D) Maryland:

"The Republicans point to some individual expressions of bias, and these are facts the inspector general already revealed. Instead the Republicans are now tripling down threatening to impeach Rod Rosenstein and Christopher Wray for somehow obstructing their efforts to get to the bottom of all of this."  

11. Wide of lawmakers on dais

In an extraordinary indictment, the U.S. special counsel accused 13 Russians Friday of an elaborate plot to disrupt the 2016 presidential election, charging them with running a huge but hidden social media trolling campaign aimed in part at helping Republican Donald Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The federal indictment, brought by special counsel Robert Mueller, represents the most detailed allegations to date of illegal Russian meddling during the campaign that sent Trump to the White House. It also marks the first criminal charges against Russians believed to have secretly worked to influence the outcome.

The latest indictment does not focus on hacking but instead centers on a social media propaganda effort that began in 2014 and continued past the election, with the goal of producing distrust in the American political process.

The indictment does not allege that any American knowingly participated in Russian meddling, or suggest that Trump campaign associates had more than "unwitting" contact with some of the defendants who posed as Americans during election season.

But it does lay out a vast and wide-ranging Russian effort to sway political opinion in the United States through a strategy that involved creating Internet postings in the names of Americans whose identities had been stolen; staging political rallies while posing as American political activists and paying people in the U.S. to promote or disparage candidates.

"This involved having agents sometimes come to the U.S. from Russia and start all sorts of interest groups on Facebook and other social media and then to entice people, not only into joining those groups, but also to have them post a great deal of material on the social networks, a lot of it aimed at criticizing Hillary Clinton and rivals to Donald Trump during the Republican primaries," said AP technology editor David Hamilton.  

While foreign meddling in U.S. campaigns is not new, the indictment for an effort of this scope and digital sophistication is unprecedented.

The surreptitious campaign was organized by the Internet Research Agency, a notorious Russian troll farm that the indictment says sought to conduct "information warfare against the United States of America."

The election-meddling organization, looking to conceal its Russian roots, purchased space on computer servers within the U.S., used email accounts from U.S. internet service providers and created and controlled social media pages with huge numbers of followers on divisive issues such as immigration, religion and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Starting in April 2016, the indictment says, the Russian agency bought political ads on social media supporting Trump and opposing Clinton without reporting expenditures to the Federal Election Commission or registering as foreign agents. Among the ads: "JOIN our #HillaryClintonForPrison2016" and "Donald wants to defeat terrorism ... Hillary wants to sponsor it."

The indictment also asserts that the posts encouraged minority groups not to vote or to vote for third parties and alleged Democratic voter fraud.

Facebook says it is doubling its security staff to 20,000 and actively working with the FBI to stop election interference by Russians and others.

Washington, D.C. - 16 February 2018

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General:

"A grand jury in the District of Columbia today returned an indictment presented by the special counsel's office. The indictment charges 13 Russian nationals and three Russian companies for committing federal crimes while seeking to interfere in the United States political system."

2. Various views of the U.S. Department of Justice statement regarding the Russia indictment

San Francisco - 16 February 2018

3. SOUNDBITE (English) David Hamilton, AP Technology Editor:

"It basically lays out a strategy by a Russian organization called the internet research agency to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. This involved having agents sometimes come to the U.S. from Russia and start all sorts of interest groups on Facebook and other social media and then to entice people, not only into joining those groups, but also to have them post a great deal of material on the social networks, a lot of it aimed at criticizing Hillary Clinton and rivals to Donald Trump during the Republican primaries while also supporting Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump himself."

Washington, D.C. - 16 February 2018

4. Still image of Facebook posting released by the House Intelligence Committee

San Francisco - 16 February 2018

5. SOUNDBITE (English) David Hamilton, AP Technology Editor:

"It's been a rough year for Facebook and Twitter and YouTube and the like. They all got hauled up in front of congressional committees back in November and quizzed extensively about this. They say they've taken a number of actions including hiring more people to vet the sort of material that's published on their networks and to try to screen out false and misleading accounts. But experts have a lot of doubts as to whether they've actually gone far enough in terms of being able to deal with this and to be ready, for instance, for the 2018 midterms."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) David Hamilton, AP Technology Editor:

"As far as what can be done, I think that's the biggest question everybody's trying to wrestle with right now, the companies, the government, users of the social media organizations themselves."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday he does not support an effort by a group of 11 conservative lawmakers to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the official who oversees the special counsel's Trump-Russia investigation.

At a news conference, Ryan said Rosenstein's back-and-forth with congressional Republicans over document requests doesn't rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors" that could warrant impeachment under the Constitution.

"I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term," Ryan said. He also said he is encouraged by progress on the document production.

Ryan made the comments a day after the group of House Republicans sharply escalated their monthslong clash with the Justice Department by filing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Their move late Wednesday came after months of criticism aimed at the department - and the Russia investigation in particular - from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. Trump has fumed about Mueller's probe and has repeatedly called it a "witch hunt," a refrain echoed by some of the lawmakers.

The impeachment effort is led by North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, who talks to Trump frequently and often defends him to colleagues. He is also a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Other Freedom Caucus members, including Rep. Ralph Norman, supported the call for impeachment saying that if Justice Department officials do not meet their demands over a five-week recess, they would support a move to impeach Rosenstein when they return.

Democrats oppose the effort.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 26 July 2018

++EDIT ENDS ON SOUNDBITE++

1. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan walks into news conference

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader:

"Do I support impeachment of Rod Rosenstein? No, I do not. I do not for a number of reasons. First ... I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term. Number one, number two, I don't think that this rises the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, really high standard. Number three, we, since I got involved, have been and have been getting a lot of compliance from DOJ on the document request. We do not have full compliance and we have to get full compliance but we've been making tremendous progress to that point."

3. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi walks into news conference

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader:

"I don't know but what I've heard is Jim Jordan wants to just take attention away from the scrutiny that he is under in Ohio. That could be part of it. The fact that truth and fact in data and evidence have never been something that the Republicans have sought or based their decision making on so they would want to hurt Rosenstein so that they could hurt the Mueller investigation but hopefully saner minds will prevail on the Republican side and they won't bring this up."

5. Various of House of Representatives members and staff departing for August recess

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Adam Schiff, (D) California:

"Those who join in the filing of these articles of impeachment are locking hands with the president as he tears down these institutions and undermines the rule of law."

7. Various of members and staff departing U.S. Capitol

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Adam Schiff, (D) California:

"It (push to impeach Rosenstein) will cause long-term damage but they don't care. If it's in the service of this president, that's all they care about. They're willing to tear anything down, they're willing to burn down the Justice Department and burn down the House. But they'll have to answer to history and obviously we're going to resist anything of this kind."

9. Various of U.S. Capitol

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Ralph Norman, (R) South Carolina:

"Rosenstein needs to turn the documents over and we are simply, the Freedom Caucus, simply tired of waiting. So we're not waiting anymore and we're going to file a motion after motion regardless. It goes to the judiciary on a privilege motion. And so we're going to either - our message to the Justice Department, either produce documents or take the consequences and we're going to try to do what we can do. (Reporter: So you're saying in five weeks (after August recess) if the resolution comes up, you're going to vote to impeach Rosenstein?) Absolutely. Without a question."

11. Rep. Jim Himes leaving Capitol

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Jim Himes, (D) Connecticut:  

"The lesson learned is that Robert Mueller must be left undisturbed to do his law enforcement work without any political consideration whatsoever, including worrying about an insane and unpatriotic effort on the part of some House Republicans to impeach the deputy attorney general. They need to do their work without political interference. Period."

13. Various of U.S. Capitol

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Mark Walker, (R) North Carolina: (Reporter: Would you be comfortable going toward contempt ((a lesser action than impeachment)) in five or six weeks?)

"If there's a stonewall between now and the five or six weeks, now that we're beyond the posturing, contempt, there's always something to look at, but I think it's still premature. Over the five or six weeks, let's see if there's the addition of documents. I think we've got about 85 percent of them. But I go back to my original point, would love the president, if he wants to declassify this stuff, some of this stuff that's been redacted, he can do that as well."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday he does not support an effort by a group of 11 conservative lawmakers to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the official who oversees the special counsel's Trump-Russia investigation.

At a news conference, Ryan said Rosenstein's back-and-forth with congressional Republicans over document requests doesn't rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors" that could warrant impeachment under the Constitution.

"I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term," Ryan said. He also said he is encouraged by progress on the document production.

Ryan made the comments a day after the group of House Republicans sharply escalated their monthslong clash with the Justice Department by filing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Their move late Wednesday came after months of criticism aimed at the department - and the Russia investigation in particular - from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. Trump has fumed about Mueller's probe and has repeatedly called it a "witch hunt," a refrain echoed by some of the lawmakers.

The impeachment effort is led by North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, who talks to Trump frequently and often defends him to colleagues. He is also a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Other Freedom Caucus members, including Rep. Ralph Norman, supported the call for impeachment saying that if Justice Department officials do not meet their demands over a five-week recess, they would support a move to impeach Rosenstein when they return.

Democrats oppose the effort.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 26 July 2018

++EDIT ENDS ON SOUNDBITE++

1. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan walks into news conference

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader:

"Do I support impeachment of Rod Rosenstein? No, I do not. I do not for a number of reasons. First ... I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term. Number one, number two, I don't think that this rises the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, really high standard. Number three, we, since I got involved, have been and have been getting a lot of compliance from DOJ on the document request. We do not have full compliance and we have to get full compliance but we've been making tremendous progress to that point."

3. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi walks into news conference

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader:

"I don't know but what I've heard is Jim Jordan wants to just take attention away from the scrutiny that he is under in Ohio. That could be part of it. The fact that truth and fact in data and evidence have never been something that the Republicans have sought or based their decision making on so they would want to hurt Rosenstein so that they could hurt the Mueller investigation but hopefully saner minds will prevail on the Republican side and they won't bring this up."

5. Various of House of Representatives members and staff departing for August recess

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Adam Schiff, (D) California:

"Those who join in the filing of these articles of impeachment are locking hands with the president as he tears down these institutions and undermines the rule of law."

7. Various of members and staff departing U.S. Capitol

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Adam Schiff, (D) California:

"It (push to impeach Rosenstein) will cause long-term damage but they don't care. If it's in the service of this president, that's all they care about. They're willing to tear anything down, they're willing to burn down the Justice Department and burn down the House. But they'll have to answer to history and obviously we're going to resist anything of this kind."

9. Various of U.S. Capitol

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Ralph Norman, (R) South Carolina:

"Rosenstein needs to turn the documents over and we are simply, the Freedom Caucus, simply tired of waiting. So we're not waiting anymore and we're going to file a motion after motion regardless. It goes to the judiciary on a privilege motion. And so we're going to either - our message to the Justice Department, either produce documents or take the consequences and we're going to try to do what we can do. (Reporter: So you're saying in five weeks (after August recess) if the resolution comes up, you're going to vote to impeach Rosenstein?) Absolutely. Without a question."

11. Rep. Jim Himes leaving Capitol

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Jim Himes, (D) Connecticut:  

"The lesson learned is that Robert Mueller must be left undisturbed to do his law enforcement work without any political consideration whatsoever, including worrying about an insane and unpatriotic effort on the part of some House Republicans to impeach the deputy attorney general. They need to do their work without political interference. Period."

13. Various of U.S. Capitol

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Mark Walker, (R) North Carolina: (Reporter: Would you be comfortable going toward contempt ((a lesser action than impeachment)) in five or six weeks?)

"If there's a stonewall between now and the five or six weeks, now that we're beyond the posturing, contempt, there's always something to look at, but I think it's still premature. Over the five or six weeks, let's see if there's the addition of documents. I think we've got about 85 percent of them. But I go back to my original point, would love the president, if he wants to declassify this stuff, some of this stuff that's been redacted, he can do that as well."

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus101347

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday he does not support an effort by a group of 11 conservative lawmakers to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the official who oversees the special counsel's Trump-Russia investigation.

At a news conference, Ryan said Rosenstein's back-and-forth with congressional Republicans over document requests doesn't rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors" that could warrant impeachment under the Constitution.

"I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term," Ryan said. He also said he is encouraged by progress on the document production.

Ryan made the comments a day after the group of House Republicans sharply escalated their monthslong clash with the Justice Department by filing articles of impeachment against Rosenstein.

Their move late Wednesday came after months of criticism aimed at the department - and the Russia investigation in particular - from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. Trump has fumed about Mueller's probe and has repeatedly called it a "witch hunt," a refrain echoed by some of the lawmakers.

The impeachment effort is led by North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, who talks to Trump frequently and often defends him to colleagues. He is also a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Other Freedom Caucus members, including Rep. Ralph Norman, supported the call for impeachment saying that if Justice Department officials do not meet their demands over a five-week recess, they would support a move to impeach Rosenstein when they return.

Democrats oppose the effort.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 26 July 2018

++EDIT ENDS ON SOUNDBITE++

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader:

"Do I support impeachment of Rod Rosenstein? No, I do not. I do not for a number of reasons. First ... I don't think we should be cavalier with this process or with this term. Number one. Number two, I don't think that this rises the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, really high standard. Number three, we, since I got involved, have been and have been getting a lot of compliance from DOJ on the document request. We do not have full compliance and we have to get full compliance but we've been making tremendous progress to that point."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader:

"I don't know but what I've heard is Jim Jordan wants to just take attention away from the scrutiny that he is under in Ohio. That could be part of it. The fact that truth and fact and data and evidence have never been something that the Republicans have sought or based their decision making on so they would want to hurt Rosenstein so that they could hurt the Mueller investigation but hopefully saner minds will prevail on the Republican side and they won't bring this up."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Adam Schiff, (D) California:

"It (push to impeach Rosenstein) will cause long-term damage but they don't care. If it's in the service of this president, that's all they care about. They're willing to tear anything down, they're willing to burn down the Justice Department and burn down the House. But they'll have to answer to history and obviously we're going to resist anything of this kind."

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Ralph Norman, (R) South Carolina:

"Rosenstein needs to turn the documents over and we are simply, the Freedom Caucus, simply tired of waiting. So we're not waiting anymore and we're going to file motion after motion regardless. It goes to the judiciary on a privilege motion. And so we're going to either - our message to the Justice Department, either produce the documents or take the consequences and we're going to try to do what we can do. (Reporter: So you're saying in five weeks (after August recess) if the resolution comes up, you're going to vote to impeach Rosenstein?) Absolutely. Without a question."

Bruce Ohr was a relatively anonymous lawyer at the Justice Department for more than 25 years. But he's now caught up in a Republican maelstrom of criticism toward the department, with some of President Donald Trump's allies implying that he helped conspire against Trump's election.

Two GOP-led House committees are interviewing Ohr behind closed doors Tuesday as part of an investigation into decisions made by the department in 2016. They are interested in Ohr - who has also been the subject of Trump's angry tweets - because of his relationship with Christopher Steele, the former British spy whose opposition research on Trump's Russia ties was compiled into a dossier and turned over to the FBI.

At least seven Republican House members traveled to Washington for the interview, which is being held during the House's August recess. No Democratic lawmakers appeared to attend, though staffers are in the room.

Washington, DC - 28 August 2018

1. Bruce Ohr (third in line, wearing blue shirt, dark tie, carrying coffee) arriving with others for hearing

2. Rep. Matt Gaetz arriving for hearing

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Rep. Matt Gaetz, (R) Florida

"I think it's really important for us to establish a timeline regarding Bruce Ohr's activities and Nellie Ohr's activities (Bruce Ohr's wife worked at Fusion GPS, the private firm that was paid by Democrats, and conducted research on any connections between candidate Trump and the Russian government.) There's a lot we don't know about when Russia learned that his wife was working with an agent of a foreign government to destabilize a presidential election and potentially a presidency. I also want to know when Rod Rosenstein found out these key facts. Twice before the Judiciary Committee I've asked Rosenstein when when he became aware of Nellie Ohr's moonlighting for Fusion GPS and he wouldn't answer the question either time. So, I think establishing a timeline will help us eliminate the other facts that are critical for our investigation."

4. Bruce Ohr and others with him arriving for hearing

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Darryl Issa, (R) California

"Well, we know what he did. We know that in fact, he violated the rules of the Department of Justice, continued to work with Christopher Steele and help promote a false narrative. So, what we know from Peter Strozk (The FBI agent who was removed from the Mueller probe after sending anti-Trump emails to his lover). and others, is what he did. Now, we want to know why he did it, (Reporter) And under whose direction. (Issa) Well, that's the why. Who had you do it? Why did you think it was okay to do? Why did you believe you had cover? Why did you continue? Why did you re-engage? And in fact, why did you think you could get away even with not saying where your wife was working, and where she was getting her income?"

6. Bruce Ohr and others outside hearing room

7. Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy entering hearing room

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Mark Meadows (R) North Carolina

"Bruce Ohr worked for the Department of Justice since 1991. And never in his entire history was anything handled in the way that this was handled. So we know beyond a shadow of a doubt this was a unique set of circumstances the way that Bruce Ohr engaged. That's very troubling, especially in light of the fact that we can drop a presidential election."

9. Unidentified congressman enters hearing room