Here’s the next test for House Republicans who say they’re concerned about Russian interference in the 2016 elections and the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia: Democrats have filed a discharge petition on the Swalwell-Cummings bill creating an independent commission to investigate. If Republicans actually want the truth, they can sign that discharge petition and make an independent investigation a reality.
A Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman said:
“Our country is at a disturbing crossroads, centered on a potentially egregious abuse of power by President Trump, and House Republicans bear a great deal of responsibility. At the very least, House Republicans must immediately act to launch a bipartisan and independent investigation into Russia’s potential influence in our elections. There’s one way to do that: sign onto the discharge petition that is currently sitting on the House floor, and bring the bill creating an independent commission up for a vote as soon as possible. Any other response is a dereliction of duty.”
Republicans have a choice here: they can take action for an independent investigation, or their inaction will show voters that they don’t want the truth. For most of them, this is a no-brainer. They don’t want the truth. But as Trump’s scandals and suspicious behavior keep growing, will at least a few Republicans decide it might be time to get some distance from him and look independent?
Stay tuned.