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Kinzinger Calls For Independent Investigation Into Trump Campaign's Russia Connection

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger has called for an independent investigation of Russia's connection to President Donald Trump's political campaign.  

The Republican from the 16th Illinois District had not spoken out previously, but he told CNN this morning that recent news reports -- including former FBI Director James Comey's memo alleging Trump ordered the halt of an investigation -- were a turning point.  for him

"People are making determinations on whether something did or didn't happen by their political stripes, not the rule of law," he said. "So I think we're at the position now where it's time for an independent commission or a special prosecutor, or whatever."

The Washington Post reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin told Congress today that he would provide a record of the meeting between President Trump and top Russian envoys, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.  However, Putin said he would only do so at the request of the Trump administration. Rep. Kinzinger brushed off these developments.

“I don’t talk to murderous dictators like Vladimir Putin,” he said, “so Putin’s word to me doesn’t mean a whole lot.”

Speaking on the floor of the U.S. House chamber, U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-17th District, called the current situation "a dark moment in our nation's history" and declared "nobody is above the law, not even the President of the United States of America."

"I urge my colleagues to do the right thing for the good of our country," she said. "Join us in demanding a true, independent investigation to get to the bottom of the President's ties to Vladimir Putin and any possible attempted cover-up."

In an emailed statement to WNIJ, Republican Representative Randy Hultgren of the 14th District, said he had “made clear” that the acting FBI director had an obligation to continue the investigation. Hultgren did not comment on an independent examination, saying he is committed to “the ongoing investigations in Congress.”