; Whereas, on May 17, 2017, the Acting Attorney General appointed former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III to serve as Special Counsel to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the Russian government’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election , including an examination of any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump , any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation , and any other matters within the scope of 28 CFR 600.4(a) ; Whereas the Acting Attorney General explained that he had appointed Special Counsel Mueller because he determined that it is in the public interest * * * to * * * appoint a Special Counsel to assume responsibility for this matter * * * based upon the unique circumstances, the public interest requires [him] to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command * * * [and that] a Special Counsel is necessary in order for the American people to have full confidence in the outcome. Our nation is grounded on the rule of law, and the public must be assured that government officials administer the law fairly ; Whereas Special Counsel Mueller has previously served in the Department of Justice as a prosecutor, United States Attorney, and Director of the FBI under both Republican and Democratic administrations, and his selection as the Special Counsel elicited bipartisan praise recognizing his reputation for competence, fairness, and nonpartisanship; Whereas the Special Counsel’s investigation has thus far resulted in the public indictment of 34 individuals and 3 companies, 7 guilty pleas, and 1 conviction following a jury trial; Whereas the Special Counsel Regulations provide that [a]t the conclusion of the Special Counsel’s work, he or she shall provide the Attorney General with a confidential report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached by the Special Counsel