mr. rosenstein and mr. comey -- mr. -- and attorney general sessions were involved in this firing when there are so many questions swirling about. they must come before us to answer questions. i hope leader mcconnell will understand the need for that and answer the plea i made this morning about that. furthermore, the fact that mr. rosenstein, which came out after i made my request -- the fact that mr. rosenstein, by all reports, had a meeting with director comey where comey asked for more resources makes it all the more important for rosenstein to come because that might be the reason that he was fired because he was pursuing the investigation in an accelerated way that was very much needed. so what we're seeking, the tone thing we're -- the only thing we are seeking, is that the investigations are carried out in an impartial and independent way, that we get all the facts, that we get to the very bottom of it. all we are seeking is some assurance that the subject of this investigation is not able to influe

mr. rosenstein for his independence and said he had developed a reputation for integrity. mr. president, our democratic colleagues complaining about the removal of an fbi director whom they themselves repeatedly and sharply criticized that removal being done man, rod rosenstein who they repeatedly praised. mr. rosenstein recommended mr. comey's removal for many of the very reasons that they consistently complained about. two investigations are currently ongoing. the senate intelligence committees' review of active measure and intelligence activities and the fbi investigation disclosed by director comey. today we'll no doubt hear calls for a new investigation, which could only serve to impede the current work being done to not only discover what the russians may have done, also to let this body and the national security community develop countermeasures in war fighting doctrine to see it doesn't occur again. partisan calls should not delay the considerable work of chairman burr and vice chairman warner, too much is at stake. deputy attorney general rosenstein was just confirmed

mr. rosenstein which came out after i made my request, the fact that mr. rosenstein i'll reports had a reportswith -- by all had a meeting with director comey where, he asked for more resources makes it all the more important for rosenstein might be the reason that he was fired because he was pursuing the investigation in an accelerated way that was very much needed. so what we're seeking, the tone thing we're -- the only thing we are seeking, is that the investigations are carried out in an impartial and independent way, that we get all the facts, that we get to the very bottom of it. all we are seeking is some assurance that the subject of this investigation is not able to influence it or, god forbid, quash it. the topic of this investigation itself is very serious. the possibility that the investigation is being impeded or tampered with is even worse. that threatens the integrity of our criminal justice system and the hallowed american belief in rule of law. i believe this rises far above party labels. i believe it rises far above partisan politics. i ha

mr. rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. deputy attorney general rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, quote, i'm willing to appoint a special counsel whenever i determine that it's appropriate. so my colleague, senator coons, asked him, would you agree that it's vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy and law enforcement system that any investigation into these matters be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered, yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damaged the integrity of the f.b.i. the attorney general has already had to recuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr. rosenstein is true to his word, that he believes this investigation must be, quote, fair, free, thorough and politically independent, if he believes as i do that the a

mr. rosenstein in mr. comey attorney general sessions were involved in this firing when they were so many questions swirling about. they must come before us to answer questions and i hope later mcconnell will understand the need for that and it typically i made this morning about this. furthermore, the fact that mr. rosenstein came out after he my request, by all reports had a meeting with director comey were comey ask for more resources makes it all the more importante for transport to come because that made me the reason that he misfired because he was pursuing the investigation and the accelerated way that was very much needed. so, what we are seeking, the only thing we are seeking assurances that this investigation is carried out an impartial independent way to make it all the facts, that we get to the very bottom of it while they are seeking. they are not able to influence or god forbid clashes to the topic of this investigation is very serious. the possibility that the investigation was impeded or ta

mr. rosenstein, which came out after i made my request, that mr. rosenstein by all reports had a meeting with the -- with director comey, where he asked for more resources makes it all the more important for rosenstein to come. that might be the reason that he was fired. because he was pursuing the investigation in an accelerated way that was much needed. we are seeking, the only thing we are seeking, assurances that this investigation is carried out in an impartial independent way. that we get all the facts, that we get to the bottom of it. all we are seeking is assurance that the subject of this investigation is not able to it.uence it or quash the topic of this investigation itself is very serious. the possibility the investigation is being impeded or tampered with is worse. that threatens the integrity of our criminal justice system and the hallowed american belief in rule of law. i believe this rises above party labels. it rises above partisan politics. i have been heartened several republicans have expressed expects and i hope and our republic

mr. rosenstein and mr. sessions. we need to resolve these two storylines. on something as importantmesttas this we need the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. so, my republican colleagues see the wisdom of value in our request and respond appropriately by the end of the day. thank you, yield the floor. >> saturday, at noon eastern a book tv, military historians discuss their books on world war i at the 2017 writer symposium. speakers include jennifer came with her book, world war i, the american soldier experience. michael nyberg with his book, the path to war, how the first world war created modern america. retired kernel in his book over there, america and the great war. the recipient of this year's colby a war the book waging war, the clash between presidents in congress, 1776 to isis. watch the symposium on saturday at noon eastern on c-span twos book tv. >> sunday and q&a. >> in the comparisons between presidents donald trump and andrew jackson. andrew jackson, southerner. >> i don't think he represents the positive values that jackson

mr. rosenstein for his independence and said he had developed a reputation. our democratic colleagues are complaining about the removal of an fbi director who them -- they themselves sharply criticized. they repeatedly praised. he recommended mr. comey's removal for many reasons. two investigations are currently ongoing. the senate intelligence committees review of russian active measures and intelligence activities and the fbi investigation disclosed by director comey. no doubt hear new calls for investigation, which will only serve to impede the current work being done to not only discover what the russians to lete done, but also the national security community develop countermeasures to see that it does not occur again. partisan called to not delay the .onsiderable work too much is at stake. rosenstein was just confirmed on a bipartisan vote 94 to six. that sort of consideration should continue when the senate receives a director nominee. as i said yesterday, once the senate receives a nomination to fill this position we will look forward to a timely confir

mr. rosenstein, and he took it under environment. i think it was important to get leadership of the intelligence community on the record saying they were 100% certain that russians interfered in our election, that agents of the russian spy services. that thisrkable to me administration still denies that happening. i thought it was very appropriate to get mr. mccabe on gets anyd, that if thhe influence from the white house, that he squashes it. important that the vice-chairman and i still have 100% agreement, and that is regardless of what happens with that thece department investigation that is done by the senate intelligence committee continues on its current course as aggressively --we are able to, based on we continue to hold interviews as was noticed last night. we issued our first subpoena. i hope it is our last, because everything else might be voluntary, but in the absence of voluntary participation, we are willing to go to whatever basket of tools we feel is necessary. reporter: did the white house betray the firing accuratel

mr. rosenstein can leave the russian investigation? senator burr: i don't think that is up to us to make. the president has made a determination. if at any point he doesn't feel he is then a change will be made. if for some reason the dag determined he could not carry at his job he would make a decision. we don't have the luxury of picking who we work with. we work with who is inserted in the walls and we work out the pathways that best accommodate the needs of what our mission is, in this case the investigation. one last question. reporter: have you gotten a response to your subpoena? reporter: the president just told lester holt he was going to fire director comey whether or not he had a recommendation or not and he called director comey a showboat and a grandstand or grandstander. do you agree with that assessment? you just heard something different. senator burr: i put out a statement the night of the directors firing. i found him to be one of the most ethical, upright, straightforward individuals i have had the opportunity to work

mr. rosenstein. i think as well, to pivot back to the threat, it was important to get all of the leadership of the intelligence community on the record again saying they were 100% certain russians interfered in our elections and that there were agents of russian sky services. it is remarkable to me that this administration still denies that happened and i thought it was very appropriate to get mr. ifabe on the record to see there has been any political attempt to squash his investigation. senator burr: i think it's important to point out that the vice chairman and i still have 100% agreement, which is inardless of what happens the justice department or fbi, the investigation in the senate intelligence committee will current course as aggressively as we are able to. we continue to hold interviews. as was noted last night, we issued our first subpoena. i hope it is our last because everything else might be voluntary. absence of voluntary participation, we are willing to go to whatever basket of tools w

mr. rosenstein can lead the russian investigation? >> i don't think that is up to senator warner and myself to make. the president made a determination that if any point he does not feel he is, a change would be made. reason the dag determined he could not carry out the job he would make a decision. we don't have the luxury of taking who we work with. we work on the pathways that s we accommodate the need work with. one last question. >> have you gotten a response to your subpoena? >> one last question. >> the president told leicester lester holt that he was going to fire director comey whether he had the recommendation or not and called him a show voter and grandstand her. >> i will not speak for senator warner. i will let her do that. i put out a statement on the director's firing. i found him to be one of the most ethical, upright, straightforward individuals i have had the opportunity to work with. he provided our andittee with more access information of the fbi. there were employees who disagreed with how he handled the clinton e

mr. rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. y attorney general rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, quote, "i'm willing to appoint a special counsel whenever i determine it is appropriate." so my colleague asked him, would you agree it is vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy and law enforcement system that any investigation into these matters be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damaged the integrity of the fbi. the attorney general has already had to recuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr. rosenstein is true to his word that he believes this investigation must be, quote, fair, free, thorough and politically independent, if he believes as i do that the american people must be able to

mr. rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. deputy attorney general rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, quote, i'm willing to appoint a special counsel whenever i determine that it's appropriate. so my colleague, senator coons, asked him would you agree it's vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy and law enforcement system that any investigation into these matters be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damaged the integrity of the fbi. the attorney general has already had to recuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr. rosenstein is true to his word, that he believes this investigation must be, quote, fair, free, thorough and politically independent, if he believes as i do that the american p

mr. rosenstein has the authority to appoint a special prosecutor right now. he needs no congressional authorization. this was simply be snp could takethat a step you can and and a law passed after watergate to get an independently minded prosecutor he will be insulated from various pressures. a special prosecutor is not subject to day-to-day supervision by the attorney general or anyone else of the justice to our. that means our prosecutor would have much greater latitude in who he can subpoena, which questions they ask, how to conduct an investigation. the special prosecutor can all be removed for good cause, such as misconduct, not to squash the investigation. there was built in congressional oversight. congress is notified whenever special counsel is appointed, removed, or finished with the investigation. the appointment of a special prosecutor would be a welcome step in the right direction. it is not the only action that should be taken. there are a great many outstanding questions about the circumstances of director coming's this missile --director comey

mr. rosenstein. he was the u.s. attorney in maryland for over 10 years. i've always known him to be a very honorable person, and i'm very -- i was very pleased certainly with the selection of mr. mueller. you will not push him around. he's a straight shooter. and he will, i think, bring some normalcy to this process. that's my final point. we've got to let this process play out. it needs to play out. normally what happens when you have investigations, those who investigate it are quiet. and the attorney speaks warm. as you know i am an attorney. and basically says we're going to cooperate, period, that's it, and i think that's what we all need to do, let this process play out. i think we should never forget what started all of this. that is 17 intelligence entities of the united states of america unanimously concluding that the russians tried and to some degree interfered with our elections. when we are dancing with the angels, the question will be what was -- what did we do at this moment? what did we do about that? what difference did we make? did we sit

mr. rosenstein and mr. comey -- mr. -- and attorney general sessions were involved in this firing when there are so many questions swirling about. they must come before us to answer questions. i hope leader mcconnell will understand the need for that and answer the plea i made this morning about that. furthermore, the fact that mr. rosenstein, which came out after i made my request -- the fact that mr. rosenstein, by all reports, had a meeting with director comey where comey asked for more resources makes it all the more important for rosenstein to come because that might be the reason that he was fired because he was pursuing the investigation in an accelerated way that was very much needed. so what we're seeking, the tone thing we're -- the only thing we are seeking, is that the investigations are carried out in an impartial and independent way, that we get all the facts, that we get to the very bottom of it. all we are seeking is some assurance that the subject of this investigation is not able to influe

mr. rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. puty attorney general rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, quote, i'm willing to appoint a special counsel whenever i determine it's appropriate. so my colleague, senator kuhns asked him would you agree it's vital to the law enforcement system that any investigation be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey affected the f.b.i. the attorney general has had to recuse himself from being too close to the president for tin vest gaition. if mr. rosenstein believes this investigation must be, quote, fair, free, thorough and politically independent, if he believes as i do that the american people must be able to have faith in the impartiality of this investigation, he must appoint a special prosecutor and get his

mr. rosenstein suggesting he was the one behind the faring. we know there's concern from mr. pointing to him about the firing. we know there were subpoenas that were sent out to michael flynn associates by a federal grand jury. this is something that almost certainly, probably will be discussed in this classified briefing given dana role on this as well. this comes also as rod rosen stein may come before the senate judiciary commit. he's considering bringing him before the committee. >> do you want rod rosenstein come testify before your committee? >> i haven't said anything along that line. i can say i'm considering that but i'm going to talk to a lot of members before i would make a final decision on that. >> so a bit of news there, considering bringing rod rosenstein before the senate judiciary committee. members of congress want to hear more about what led to james comey's firing. >> certainly they want want to know. manu, thank you. nia, if that were to go forward and there were to be questions asked, we assume these would be questions asked publicly that could be asked

mr. rosenstein will stand up for the integrity of the united states. give a public assurance that the investigation of russian collusion in our last presidential election will continue and that the department official -- and second mr. rosenstein as well as senator sessions now attorney general sessions should be party to choosing a special prosecutor. let us choose someone from outside government without a party label who has demonstrated the expertise necessary to prosecute gorsuch challenging situations as this. put -- to prosecute such challenging situations as this. try to stop this or

mr. rosenstein's memo. >> well, it's actually his memo a lot of people pointed to saying this is bogus and ridiculous. a republican that's head of the senate investigation is concerned about the timing of all of this. >> so the same senators that ju voted to confirm this man whose integrity is not in doubt, we're supposed to believe the derogatory descriptions you made of him and it was senator schumer -- >> senator schumer has said this raises -- he's saying essentially this is a cover up today. >> well, he's wrong. the president makes very clear that mr. comey assured the president he is not under investigation. >> on what occasions did he do that? >> that's between the president of the united states and director comey but he's tell youg on at least three occasions he assured him he's not under investigation. but he's taking the recommendation of the attorney general the yiens that it's time for fresh leadership and to restore integrity at the fbi. they take divisive action and that's what president trump did today. >> you don't think it looks odd at all that the psz president of the uni

mr. rosenstein will stand up for the integrity of the united states. give a public assurance that the investigation of russian collusion in our last presidential election will continue and that the department official -- and second mr. rosenstein as well as senator sessions now attorney general sessions should be party to choosing a special prosecutor. let us choose someone from outside government without a party label who has demonstrated the expertise necessary to prosecute gorsuch challenging situations as this. put -- to prosecute such challenging situations as this. try to stop this or short-circuit by dismissing mr. comey is ineffective in terms of serving justice and, sadly, is a sad reflection on american ideals and values. mr. bennet: thank you. mr. president, as you know, last night, president trump fired f.b.i. director james comey. he did this in the middle of an active f.b.i. investigation into possible links between the trump campaign, trump associates and the russian government. this action should worry every member of the senate. and i

mr. rosenstein will stand up for the integrity of the department of justice and do two things. first, give a public assurance that the investigation of russian collusion in our last presidential election will continue and that the time in the department of justice career official who will be in charge of it until a new director of the fbi found in second, mr. rosenstein as well as senator sessions should be party to choosing a special dem prosecutor. let us choose someone from outside government without ary party label who has demonstrated the expertise necessary to prosecute such challenging situations as this. but then in charge, let them investigate or let the facts lead us to a conclusion to try to stop the short-circuit by dismissing mr. comey as ineffective in terms of serving justice and sadly a sad reflection on american ideals and values. vista president, i yield the floor. >> in the mall may come alive to the floor of the u.s. senate. procedural votes that are 11:00 eastern on the nomination of robert mike hauser to be a straight representative and to try again to rep

mr. rosenstein appoint a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. senstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said "i am willing to appoint the special counsel whenever i determined that it is appropriate." wouldcolleague asked him, you agree that it is vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy? democracy and enforcement system that any investigation be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered, yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director kobe damaged the integrity of the fbi. the attorney general has already had to recuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr. rosenstein is true to his word that he believes this investigation must be "fair, free, thorough, and politically independent," if he believes as i do that the american people must be able to have faith in the impartiality of this

mr. rosenstein will stand up for the integrity of the united states. give a public assurance that the investigation of russian collusion in our last presidential election will continue and that the department official -- and second mr. rosenstein as well as senator sessions now attorney general sessions should be party to choosing a special prosecutor. let us choose someone from outside government without a party label who has demonstrated the expertise necessary to prosecute gorsuch challenging situations as this. put -- to prosecute such challenging situations as this. try to stop this or short-circuit by dismissing mr. comey is ineffective in terms of serving justice and, sadly, is a sad reflection on american ideals and values. mr. bennet: thank you. mr. president, as you know, last night, president trump fired f.b.i. director james comey. he did this in the middle of an active f.b.i. investigation into possible links between the trump campaign, trump associates and the russian government. this action should worry every member of the senate. and i

what should happen now, what must happen now, is that mr rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to enstein sat in thejudiciary committee attorney—general rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, "i'm willing to point a special council whenever i determine that it's appropriate. so my colleague asked him whether or not you agree that it is vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy and law enforcement system that any investigation into these matters be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr rosenstein answered, "yes. i do." if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damaged the integrity of the fbi. the attorney—general has already had to rea ccuse attorney—general has already had to reaccuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr rosenstein is true to his word, that he believes this investigation must be, "fair, free, thorough and pol

mr. rosenstein talked about why he voted, wrote the memo. the fact he believed what the fbi director did in july was inappropriate. >> was he tasked to write that memo? >> he did not -- i'll let you ask him that question. now that we have a special counsel about all things related to the process of the memo, i think you'll need to talk on mr. mueller about it. i have to go. >> all right. senator lindsey graham talking to reporters. an interesting had distinction he's making between what the investigation by congress would look at versus the investigation from robert mueller as special counsel. our chief legal correspondent is with us. what do you make of that? >> senator graham just made some news there. this is what we would call hearsay because he is describing what mr. rosenstein briefed in a closed session. an unusual closed briefing from the senate. we have heard from trump's defenders and the president that this is a counter intel inquiry. what lindsey graham just said, that it is more like a criminal inquiry. and a report he said does

mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damage the integrity of the fbi.eporter: the official reason was that he botched the investigation into hillary clinton's emails. >> democratic colleagues complaining about the removal of an fbi director when they themselves repeatedly and sharply criticized that removal being done by a man whom they repeatedly praised. when mr. rosenstein recommended his removal for many of the very reasons that they consistently complained about. reporter: intelligence agencies have spent the last five months trying to determine if there was evidence of russian interference in the election. >> a counter intelligence hearing about if trump officials colluded with the russians. i don't have any evidence of collusion or a crime. the fbi needs to keep looking and do their job. >> sergei lavrov met with -- they dismissed russian claims of influence in the election. >> i'm joined at the big table. he is a veteran of the u.s. state department. it is good to have you back on the show. hours after firing the man that led the investigation i

mr. president, last night deputy attorney general rod rosenstein appointed former f.b.i. director robert mueller as a special counsel to oversee the investigation into russia's interference in the 2016 elections. this was a very good fers step. -- first step. mr. rosenstein has done the right thing. i applaud his decision for its correctness and courage. a special counsel was much called for in this situation. and former director mueller is the right kind of individual for the job. i now have significantly greater confidence that the investigation will follow the facts wherever they lead. additionally, as special counsel, mr. muller must have broad latitude to pursue the russia investigation. in the appointment order, it stipulates the special counsel is authorized to investigate, quote, any matters that rise directly or indirectly from this investigation, unquote. that's a really important power, given the recent reports about an active f.b.i. investigation into general flynn. i am heartened by the news of mr. muller's appointment, but in no way it diminishes the need tn

mr. rosenstein should not be the one to appoint a special prosecutor. that responsibility should go to the highest serving career civil servant at the department of justice. second, mr. comey is needed more than ever to testify before the senate. third, attorney general sessions and deputy attorney general rosenstein should brief all senators on these events separately and in a classified setting if necessary, and they should do it soon, because the questions are just swirling about. there are more ever day, almost every hour. host: that was senator schumer yesterday on the firing of james comey. willie, you are up next in jacksonville, florida, independent line. caller: yes, i oppose the it ng of comey, but effectively ended the investigation, because rosenberg was appointed by trump. you got a better chance of seeing donald trump's taxes than he's been getting a special prosecutor to check on this stuff with russia. it's not going happen, ok? the next f.b.i. director will be in trump's pocket, or the same thing is going to happen to him. so this invest

mr. rosenstein appoints a special prosecutor to oversee this investigation. ral rosenstein sat in the judiciary committee and promised to appoint a special prosecutor at the appropriate time. he said, quote, i'm willing to appoint a special counsel whenever i determine that it's appropriate. so my colleague, senator kuhns asked him, would you agree it's vital to the assurance of confidence in our democracy and law enforcement system that any investigation into these matters be fair, free, thoroughly and politically independent? mr. rosenstein answered yes, i do. if there was ever a time when circumstances warranted a special prosecutor, it is right now. mr. rosenstein already expressed concern that director comey damaged the integrity of the fbi. the attorney general has already had to recuse himself from the investigation for being too close to the president. if mr. rosenstein is true to his word, that he believed this investigation must be, quote, fair, free, thorough, and politically independent, if he believes as i do that the american people must be able

mr. rosenstein said this is all about public confidence. he said that special counsel mueller will have a wide range in his investigation. and he also said that he does not agree -- and this is significant because we've heard this from a number of republicans who we've confronted with this question -- that he does not agree with the president's characterization of what mr. mueller is up to, and the whole idea of a special counsel to begin with, as a witch hunt. here's more of what issa had to say. >> what i learned, and i'm satisfied with, is that the special prosecutor will have the breadth of scope necessary to follow any and all leads directly and tangental to the russian attempt to influence our elections. that unclassified. that, for me, is the most important question there is. >> another key question, how far do congressional investigations go? there are no fewer than four committees under investigation. here's mccarthy. >> i thought it was informative. there were things in there classified. he did get asked a question that he said it

mr. rosenstein, how much of this is his own work, et cetera. so i don't want to cast any aspersions there. but i am convinced the decision to fire was made by the president of the united states and not based upon the recommendations of the department of justice. >> yeah. the memo that he wrote, memorandum for the attorney general from rod rosenstein, deputy attorney general, subject restoring public confidence in the fbi, he signed that memorandum. it was on his name, so it was obviously a significant development. bottom line right now, how far do you go in accusing the president of any wrongdoing? >>> well, i think what he did in dismissing mr. comey was wrong. i think that jeopardizes the independence of this criminal investigation. i don't have any information about the president's personal involvement as it relates to russia. and i'm not trying to say that we know that. we need to have an independent review. i am, though, concerned on why the president would pick this particular time to fire mr. comey, just as we've had other information ab

mr. issa, what do you make of the fact the time frame on comey's firing has changed? the white house initially hung it on rosenstein's memo. [inaudible] mr. issa: that's one of the questions that came up in there n which the deputy a.g. said let the record speak for itself and i think that's what we have to do. the timeline will be reviewable and in fact will be looked at hat way. again, you know, i for one thought that comey ill-served the american people when he tried to stretch beyond all reason the fourth amendment to hack into your iphones so i had a belief he didn't respect the constitution, had become in love with the camera which is normally for politicians and that he began thinking that he was somehow larger than the f.b.i. director and effectively being the f.b.i. director and the department of justice. the department of justice is the f.b.i. director's boss, not the other way around. reporter: is mr. mueller on a witch-hunt? do you share the president's view? mr. issa: well, i don't personally believe in witches but, look, the director's job is in fact to go where the fact -- facts lead. and he has a repu

mr. rosenstein. he took it under advisement.s well to pivot back to the world by threat hearing. i think it was important, again, to get all of the leadership and the intelligence community again on the record saying they were 100% certain that it was russians interfered in our elections. they were agents of the russian spy services. it's railroad companyable to me that it seems like this administration still denies that happened. and i thought it was very appropriate to get mr. mccabe on the record that if he has any any attempt to influence or influence from the white house to try to squash his ongoing investigation, that he will report it to the committee. >> i think it's important to point out the placement the vice chairman and i still have 100% agreement, and that's that regardless of what happens by the justice support, by the f.b.i., that the investigation that's done by the senate intelligence committee will continue on its current course as aggressively as we're able to based upon what we glean. we continue to hold int

mr. rosenstein, america depends on you to restore faith in our criminal justice system, which is going to be badly shattered after the administration's actions today. this is part of a deeply troubling pattern from the trump administration. they fired sally yates. fired preek barrara. fire director comey, the very man leading the investigation. this does not seem to be a coincidence. this investigation must be run as far away as possible from this white house and as far away as possible from anyone that president trump has appointed. given the way the president fired director comey, any person who he appoints to lead the russia investigation will be concerned that he or she will meet the same fate as director comey if they run afoul of the administration. the american people need to have faith that an investigation as serious as this one is being conducted impartially, without a shred of bias. the only way the american people can have faith in this investigation is for it to be led by a fearless, independent special prosecutor. if deputy attorney general rosenstein does not appoint an ind

mr. rosenstein. he was very professional, very reassuring. he's going to defer to mr. mueller on almost all of these issues now. i think people understand that there is a political environmen environment, but again, i'm very optimistic that we can work through some of those potential conflicts to aunt investigations. to answer your question directly, i don't think that's a conflict of interest at this point. >> julie: chris stewart, thank you very much for your time. >> jon: the russia investigation in the chaos surrounding the white house taking on a life of its own and the news media. our media panel joins us on the reaction. >> it's clear that's how he's to run his white house and that's why four months and, he's having criminal lawyers you strong boy, you smell bad huh? yeah, you hurt me a little bit huh? you're crushing me huh? you hurt all the internet huh? you taking the life from me huh? give life to your idea, when you build a better website in under an hour with go central from godaddy. type in your idea, select from designs tailored just for you, and publish

mr. rosenstein and saying that it appears to be a criminal investigation territory and, b, it appears that rosenstein wrote the letter recommending the firing of comey after he had learned he would be removed. >> well, i want to go back and correct one thing. he did not recommend that comey be fired. in fact, this letter said very clearly that the decision to fire the fbi director should be taken with great care and study and thoughtfulness and he refrained from recommending it. >> but didn't he recommend new leadership in the letter. >> well, what he said was we need an fbi director that has the attention and command and respect of everybody. it turns out, comey had that respect. i think what rod wrote in that letter is what he really believes and i've known him for many years, as i've known bob mueller, they are people with deep integrity and independence. a lot of people believe comey did not handle all of the public appearances that he made traditionally with regulations. rosenstein was very careful to say this should be done thoughtfully and maybe we need new leadership and, president

mr. rosenstein write such a letter justifying why he had to get rid of him.een elected president, the day i was elected and sworn in, i would have brought comey in my office. i would say you have an impeccable record, but your services are no longer needed. hindsight being 20/20, you move forward. why was he kept on until he lost favor? a lot going on we want to talk about. i have known general flynn. we worked with him on armed services. he is an upstanding guy. why he seems to have gone off the rails i don't know. a lot of questions have to be answered. we will ask those questions. we will be interested in finding out the facts. >> so what do you do? rosenstein comes in and tells you they asked me to do it. plenty of stink on comey. i wrote it up how i felt. i was asked. this is what sessions wanted and the president wanted. that leads you to conclusion that the president was actually telling us the truth in that interview. he did not want comey there not because of the hillary clinton stuff, but because of the russia stuff. he thinks it is a hoax. comey se

mr. rosenstein. the house will come back in -- they're scheduled to come back in at 11:15 eastern to finish up work for the week on the bill dealing with federal probation officers. we'll have that live when they gavel in. but it seems like there are a number of members still in there and yet to come out. so likely more comments ahead. >> and, again, we're waiting here live with reporters gathered outside the auditorium at the capitol visitor center on capitol hill where the members of the u.s. house have been getting a briefing from deputy attorney general rod rosenstein on the firing of former f.b.i. director james comey. we will bring you more comments from members as they happen as we also bring you a part of this morning's "washington journal." host: ok, so the deputy attorney general on capitol hill yesterday in an all-senate senators briefing, house members will get their chance, your chance to talk to him today. what questions do you have for him? guest: well, a lot of us are very interested

mr. rosenstein's memo. counsel,rds to special i think it is an overreaction early on the one hand because there is no evidence of crime, or collusion between russia and the campaign. that said, mr. rosenstein's explanation makes some sense in that this has become an extraordinary large political issue that to take it and give it more independence, hopefully rebuild confidence in the justice department this way and the outcome, so by the way, bob mueller is the perfect choice. his reputation is stellar and his capacity is any good. he will do a good job. i think the people will trust the outcome when it is over. to be honest, while i think it some areach, i think relieved because hopefully we can focus on the important work we had to do that isn't the fbi and russian probe. host: >> c-span's "washington journal," live every day with news and policy issues impact you. saturday morning am a military times pentagon bureau chief discusses the pentagon's progress report on the pricing -- the fight against isis. t

mr. rosenstein just a few days ago. there are questions i would like to ask him.i, why did you not include in yourñr statementÑi anxdÑiñr and one clear that we were going to continue the investigation of the russian collusion so there's a professional reason rather than a political reason. would i have expected that had from mr. roents sglin he was confirmed 94-6, as you point out, your yay vote in favor of him. do you still have confidence in the deputy attorney general rod rosenstein? he's been on job for two weeks. >> i'm shaken on his memorandum, that he would sign off standing up for the good treatment of hillary clinton for events that happened ten months ago and decide this week, yesterday, to ice there that as a basis for terminating james comey really stretches imagination and the fact that he does not say in that that they are going toçó continue the fbi investigation is troublesome as well. >> is that yes or no about confidence in. >> well, let me shay my confidence is shaken. that's why i hope he'll appear before the committee and we can ask questions

mr. rosenstein.took it under advisement. >> joining us matt miller an msnbc contributor. also joining us paul butler, a law professor at georgetown university and a former federal prosecutor. matt, you know how these meetings get scheduled. i have to say, i was quite struck to see this kind of meeting occurring in the middle of a hearing in which both of the leaders of that committee had to get up and leave this very important hearing. it seems to put it mildly, peculiar. >> yeah. it's very peculiar, especially because i think they said this meeting had been set up for some time. the deputy attorney general is a busy guy, obviously. he is not so busy that he can't find time to meet with these two senators outside of a meeting. you suspect a couple things. one, the senate intelligence committee really does seem to be trying to step up its investigation. richard burr a couple of times, including a few weeks ago has been criticized publicly for slow walking it. and every time he is criticized publicly,

mr. rosenstein but if jeff sessions had made the recommendation -- i understand.m not disputing that. if sessions had recommended this to the president as opposed to someone who had been in the -- this line of work for most of his life -- >> okay. i get that. >> and the ultimate judgment, a lot of speculation about motives out of the white house. the ultimate judgment really should be with held until we see who they propose to bring forward to replace comey. that person is going to get scrutiny. >> the reason i said that it's indisputable that president trump doesn't agree with anything in the rosenstein letter is because statements during the campaign. >> because of everything he has said and maybe it is true that he has done a complete 180 and now he thinks that -- >> donald trump? >> he does not do a lot of 180s on hillary clinton and now he thinks that hillary clinton was wronged we james comey. i agree that is a possibility. i think it is highly unlikely but that is why i said that. but let me ask about the notion of what if president trump appoints somebody

mr. rosenstein to support prosecutor who could also be fired. we can see the president has no self restraint. we'll fire him, too. the only avenue news are likely not to do this. they don't want to take the only avenue. they don't want to take the political avenue. they're not going to be left with much choice, they don't want it to be, but it is. >> from what we've learned in the nixon administration, is that now is the time, in fact, it was probably before now, but now is absolutely man minute. this is for something per lick it up. 48 members of the nixon administration between of things that the president wanted them to do and things they tried to help the president with after the president had already crossed legal lines and this president is going to ask people to do things that they should not do. tomorrow and in the feature end of may may have already done so. this is happening ten times faster. >> then -- it took him az his plumbers three-and-a-half years to braem into the dnc. >> the washington already did that. you're the last selectio