America’s democratic institutions are shaking due to President Donald Trump’s continuous attacks on Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his investigation. Congress needs to protect Mueller and ensure his report is made public. Mueller’s investigation has already charged six former Trump advisers, 26 Russian nationals, three Russian companies, one man from California and one London-based lawyer. Seven of these people (including five of the six former Trump advisers) have pleaded guilty.

Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” If President Trump has his way, Americans will be kept in the dark. At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judicial Committee, attorney general nominee William Barr refused to commit to releasing the special counsel’s report, indicating instead he could submit his own summary. This is not acceptable.

Taxpayers paid for the investigation and deserve the special counsel’s full report, without any redactions or attempts to withhold or whitewash the facts. This is not a partisan issue; 90 percent of voters, including 82 percent of Republicans, say Mueller’s findings should be made public. Congress should support bipartisan legislation to ensure Trump cannot launch a coverup or hide significant details of the investigation and all those implicated in the special counsel’s investigation must be held accountable.

Sen. Susan Collins previously supported the special counsel and advocated for him to complete his investigation. I hope the senator stands by her words and pushes to ensure release of the full report.

We should allow our judicial institution to learn the full truth. Keeping the American people in the dark will compromise our democracy. The only cure is sunlight. The report must be released.

Jason Jabar

Waterville


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