[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL

  Mr. SCHUMER. Finally this morning, on another Justice Department 
matter, the Justice Department seems that it is becoming more and more 
of a swamp--at least in its top leaders. This time it is Mr. Whitaker.
  This morning, we learned that ethics officials at the Justice 
Department told Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker that he did 
not need to recuse himself from overseeing the special counsel's 
investigation. The decision by the Justice Department defies logic. 
Matthew Whitaker has publicly and forcefully advocated for defunding 
and imposing severe limits on the Mueller investigation, calling it a 
``mere witch hunt.'' He also has troubling conflicts of interest, 
including his relationship with Sam Clovis, who is a grand jury witness 
in this investigation.

  There is clear and obvious evidence of bias on the part of Matthew 
Whitaker against the special counsel's investigation. To allow him to 
retain oversight over that investigation without his recusal is 
incredibly misguided.
  The Congress and the American people must be informed of any instance 
in which Mr. Whitaker has sought or is seeking to interfere with the 
Mueller investigation. If Mr. Whitaker has sought any limitation on 
witnesses, funding, subpoenas, or any other limitation, we must be 
informed of it right now.
  We believe that Matthew Whitaker shouldn't be in the job in the first 
place. His appointment is potentially unconstitutional. His oversight 
of the Russia investigation is hopelessly biased.
  It is clear that President Trump is trying in every way possible to 
appoint or to nominate people to lead the Justice Department who could 
well impede the special counsel's investigation.
  I thank the Senator from Florida for patiently waiting.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Fischer). The Senator from Florida.

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