Following reports that last June President Trump tried to remove him, Republican Senators on Sunday, January 28, issued a warning to the president not to fire Robert Mueller III. But even though they were quick to help write legislation for the protection of the special counsel, the lawmakers are not showing the same sense of urgency towards having these legislations passed.
Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election was only saved when, rather than following the President’s order, White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II, threatened to quit.
Republicans backpedaling
The move to implement measures to protect Mueller was championed by the Senate republicans but now, even those who proposed or backed such measure, seem to have cooled their resolve to act. Sunday on NBC’s 'Meet the Press', the House majority leader, Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, echoed the views of many other Republican lawmakers, claiming that the legislation is not needed at the moment.
He said, “Right now there’s not an issue. So why create one when there isn’t a place for it?”
According to the Republican of South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, who is also responsible for drafting one of two bipartisan bills in question, it is understood by the entire White House that President Trump would end his own Presidency should he choose to fire the special counsel.
He stated that he doesn’t know the status of the negotiations but like Mr. McCarthy does not see the need for urgency as he believes that right now, there isn’t evidence to suggest that Mr. Trump wants to fire Mueller.
The Democrats, however, see an imminent threat and are eager to see the bills passed.
Democratic leader, Senator Chuck Schumer believes that ensuring the integrity and continuity of Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation should be of the highest importance to Congress at this time.
Democrat of Connecticut, Senator Richard Blumenthal called out the “political fortitude” of the Republican bench and said, “If there is a will to move forward, there is a way to do it.” Blumenthal suggests the sudden lack of urgency by the Republicans might be due to “political pressure” not to cross the president on Russia.
What's the reason for stalled negotiations?
Two different bills, both of which would put the power to review and veto orders for firing the special counsel, in the hands of a panel of federal judge, have been mired in negotiations for months.
The contention which remains is in the timing as one approach, put forward by Graham and Democrat of New Jersey, Senator Cory Booker, stipulates that only an Attorney General or deputy can petition the panel to review and dismiss the special counsel, whilst the counter-approach by Republican of North Carolina, Senator Thom Tillis, and Democrat of Delaware, Chris Coons allows for review to occur at the special counsel's request, after a dismissal.