Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On the heels of his Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Mueller report on the Trump Administration’s attempts to obstruct justice, today Attorney General William Barr declined to show up for the House Judiciary Committee hearing. In yesterday’s Senate hearing, Barr acknowledged that he had barely read the report before releasing his summary. Report author, Robert Mueller, in a letter to Barr, took issue with Barr’s summary stating that Barr’s summary misreported the findings and confused the nation.
Congress has the constitutional authority to oversee the executive branch and must continue holding obstruction of justice hearings including bringing in Robert Mueller to testify.
The Sierra Club requires a functioning government and democratic access to that government to achieve our mission of protecting the human and natural environment. Eroding the democratic norms and the balance of power between branches of government can render the entire bedrock legal infrastructure -- including environmental law -- meaningless.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"William Barr proved yet again that he is doing everything he can to protect Donald Trump, even if it means ignoring his job to protect the American people. Barr can run but he can’t hide from the fact that even the redacted version of the Mueller report shows Trump abused his power and obstructed justice. Congress has the right -- in fact, the constitutional duty -- to provide oversight of the executive branch. If the Trump Administration refuses to cooperate, Congress must dig deeper. The American public deserves transparency and accountability. For the protection of our democracy, the integrity of the institution of the White House, and the future of our country, it is critical that Congress receive the full unredacted report, bring in Robert Mueller to testify, and move forward with this investigation.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.