Ranking Member Raskin Statement on Appointment of Special Counsel

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 12, 2023)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, issued the following statement after Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a special counsel to review documents turned over by President Biden:

"The Attorney General's appointment of a special counsel underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to ensuring independence in the execution of its law enforcement responsibilities. We can all have confidence in Attorney General Merrick Garland's decision and his judgment in this matter. Any deviance from established security protocols related to the storage and handling of classified information is obviously a serious matter, and national security demands that such cases be thoroughly investigated. The American people must also have confidence that each case is reviewed impartially. Attorney General Garland's commendable appointment of a special counsel will work to preserve the American people's trust in the integrity and independence of law enforcement. I am confident that the President's team will do nothing to fight law enforcement but rather will continue to fully cooperate with the special counsel."