Mueller must get public a full explanation, Murray says

The indictment of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort drew measured support from some members of Congress who represent the Inland Northwest and little to no reaction from others.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said special prosecutor Robert Mueller must “follow the facts where they may lead – without threats or intimidation, and with all the resources he needs” until the public gets a full explanation.

“And I want to see the Senate Intelligence Committee continue its work, which has been operating in a bipartisan manner,” Murray said in a statement released by her staff.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said the indictments of Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates and guilty plea of Trump campaign adviser George Papadopolous may be just the beginning of holding people accountable.

The investigations by Mueller and Congress must continue “and the justice system must act,” she said in an emailed statement.

Mueller and the congressional committees must conclude their investigations into Russia’s actions “appropriately,” a statement from the office of Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said.

“Until the investigation has been completed in its entirety, it would be premature for him to speculate on the matter further,” the statement added.

Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, sits on the Intelligence Committee and will be voting on its final report, his press secretary Kaylin Minton said.

“As far as the individuals who have recently been the subject of Justice Department charges, those matters will be handled by the Justice Department and federal courts through the regular judicial process,” she added.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., had no comment on Monday’s indictments. Her office pointed out that since February she has backed nonpartisan investigations into Russian activities but said they should not be used to undermine the nation’s electoral system nor the results of the 2016 election.

Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, did not respond to a request for comment on the indictments.