Senator Knezek offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 151.

            A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to enact legislation protecting the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel.

            Whereas, The Russian government's efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election with the purpose of undermining faith in the democratic process must be investigated, and the United States must hold those responsible accountable. Diplomatic and economic sanctions must be part of the nation's response to the election interference, but prosecution is also necessary against individuals and entities who violated criminal laws; and

Whereas, In order to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, Rod Rosenstein, as Acting Attorney General, appointed Robert Mueller to serve as Special Counsel on May 17, 2017. The scope of the investigation includes any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Trump; any matters that arise directly from the investigation; and any other federal crimes committed in the course of, and with the intent to, interfere with the Special Counsel's investigation; and

            Whereas, The Special Counsel's investigation has already produced indictments against 22 individuals and entities, including five guilty pleas. In addition to charging Russian citizens and entities for numerous violations of federal law, members of the Trump campaign have been charged, and in three cases, pleaded guilty to criminal conduct. Media reports indicate that many other individuals and entities remain targets of the Special Counsel's investigation; and

            Whereas, President Trump and his associates have attempted to obstruct and discredit the investigation on numerous occasions. When FBI Director James Comey was unwilling to compromise the investigation, he was fired by the President. The President reportedly asked the White House Counsel to fire the Special Counsel in June 2017, before being persuaded to withdraw the order. The President has routinely called the investigation a "witch hunt," and one of his personal attorneys stated in March 2018 that Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein should remove the Special Counsel and end the investigation; and

Whereas, Robert Mueller's credentials and reputation are unassailable. Mueller is a decorated Marine, seasoned federal prosecutor, and former director of the FBI. Mueller's performance as FBI Director was so well-regarded that Congress enacted a law in 2011 specifically to allow Mueller to serve as director beyond the expiration of his original ten-year term. His appointment as Special Counsel received bipartisan support because he is known for his apolitical pursuit of justice; and

            Whereas, Removing Mueller from his role as Special Counsel would trigger a constitutional crisis, causing irreparable damage to the integrity of this investigation and the public's confidence in the administration of justice, both of which are essential. The Special Counsel's investigation must be allowed to continue to its natural conclusion so that the American people can receive a full accounting of what took place and the individuals responsible can be brought to justice. Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would protect the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel, including H.R. 2444, H.R. 3654, H.R. 3771, H.R. 4669, S. 1735, and S. 1741; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Congress of the United States to enact legislation protecting the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.