After the pattern of deception and recent disclosure involving President Trump's attempted influence of the FBI’s investigation into the Trump campaign and ties to Russia, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted to force the U.S. House to take up bipartisan legislation to establish an independent, outside commission.  The commission would bring transparency to the investigation of Trump-Russia connections and possible collusion following well-established Russian meddling in the election.

“House Republicans can no longer in good faith stand in the way of a full, independent investigation into the links between Trump, his campaign, his administration, and Russia,” said U.S. Rep. Castor.  “A full, independent investigation must be free from Trump’s shameless interference.  The American people deserve to know the full extent of collusion and connections.

“Trump may want to bury this investigation, but every new revelation further reinforces the need for a full, independent investigation.  He has admitted on national television that FBI Director Comey’s firing was because of the FBI’s investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn -- the day after he fired Comey.  Now we have learned that Trump shockingly asked Comey to end the FBI’s investigation into Flynn.”

In addition to voting to bring up the commission, U.S. Rep. Castor also signed a petition to pull the bill that she has cosponsored and which would establish a commission, H.R. 356, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, from committee and bring it to the floor for a vote. The petition – a so called Discharge Petition -- was filed by House Democrats and joined by U.S. Rep. Castor.  So far, Speaker Ryan has refused to schedule a vote on the bipartisan bill, and House Republicans have voted seven times to block its consideration, while U.S. Rep. Castor has voted seven times to bring it to the floor.

“Trump’s presidency continues to operate under a dark cloud. If they have nothing to hide, they should welcome to chance to remove any doubt through an independent, outside commission,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. 

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