The push to release special counsel Robert Mueller’s report is quickly turning into a demand to rip the bandage off the past few years of political investigations at the FBI and Justice Department, in what could be a colossal bloodletting.
“Release it all…from start to finish,” said Rep. Lee Zeldin, New York Republican, ticking off not only the Mueller report but documents related to the probe into Hillary Clinton, the origins of the probe into then-candidate Donald Trump and the wiretap applications on a Trump campaign figure.
“Sunlight & accountability!” Mr. Zeldin tweeted.
The debate played out in the Senate Thursday afternoon, where Sen. Rand Paul tried to offer an amendment demanding an even broader release of information.
He said he wanted to see former CIA Director John Brennan and former National Intelligence Director James Clapper, two of the most vocal voices accusing the president of crimes, have to turn over all of their communications related to the 2016 election and the investigation.
He also demanded release of President Obama’s communications, and those involving former FBI Director James Comey, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, fired FBI Agent Peter Strzok, former FBI lawyer Lisa Page, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Justice Department figure Bruce Ohr, who served as a conduit for the discredited Steele dossier.
“We based this investigation on a lie. We should investigate who the liars were,” Mr. Paul said.
He tried to attach his demand to Democrats’ effort to encourage release of the broader Mueller report.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat seeking to run against Mr. Trump in 2020, refused Mr. Paul’s request, saying she just wanted to see the Mueller report.
After she refused his amendment, Mr. Paul then objected to her demand, leaving the two sides in a stalemate.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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