Freedom Caucus leader: Russia ‘hysteria’ paralyzing Congress

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, on Monday said the “hysteria” surrounding the ongoing Russia investigation is paralyzing Congress and hindering lawmakers from executing their agendas.

“The hysterics surrounding Russia merely serve to distract from accomplishing the priorities of the American people — and for what, partisan gain?” Meadows wrote in a CNN op-ed.

While Meadows said he supports bipartisan efforts to “get to the bottom” of the Russia probe, he also warned against “fueling exaggeration” when it comes to the investigation. 

{mosads}”Now, make no mistake, it’s critical that we not gloss over any potential wrongdoing in the Russia investigation. If there were improper activities, we need to get to the bottom of the issue — and no one will be more committed to getting to the truth on a bipartisan basis than I will,” he wrote.

“America must not tolerate Russian intervention in our elections, but we must also not perpetuate a narrative that suggests a far bigger role than any evidence has proven. Fueling exaggeration and constant hysteria is something that could unravel a democracy like ours.”

The Freedom Caucus leader said many Americans are tired of the “cable news drama” and “constant media frenzy” surrounding the Trump administration, and care more about policies that will impact their lives like healthcare.

Meadows said the Russia probe should now be left in the hands of Robert Mueller, who was appointed by the Department of Justice as special counsel to independently investigate Kremlin’s election involvement. 

“It’s time we let the special counsel do his job and allow Congress to focus on actually on doing ours.”

Investigations into Russian election interference and possible links between President Trump’s campaign and the Kremlin are ongoing in the Justice Department, FBI and Senate and House Intelligence committees.

Meadows said in February that the attention on Trump and the White House benefitted the Republican-majority House as they voted on measures that received “little attention” as a result.

“There is some merit to the argument that would suggest that much of the focus is on what President Trump is doing and not as much on what Congress is doing,” Meadows told The Huffington Post. “So it allows for votes to be taken in the House that receive little attention while everybody’s focused on the bigger agenda items.”