Senator Susan Collins’ Statement Following Briefing from Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after attending a briefing by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on his decision to appoint a Special Counsel to oversee the Department of Justice’s investigation into Russian actions to influence America’s presidential elections and whether or not there was collusion between the Russians and President Trump’s campaign.

“Today’s briefing from Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein further underscores the need for both the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation and the Special Counsel’s investigation to proceed.

“Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein made clear that the primary mission of the Special Counsel, who will now lead the DOJ investigation, is to determine whether or not there were any violations of criminal law.

“The Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation, which is well underway, is focusing on the counter-intelligence aspects, which are crucial to this case. Only a Congressional investigation can recommend and Congress enact additional sanctions on the Russian government, while only the Special Counsel can determine whether or not criminal charges are warranted.

“As we move forward, it remains important that both investigations continue to follow the evidence wherever it may lead.”