WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick released the following statement Wednesday regarding the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel:

"As I’ve said before: At the FBI, all of my colleagues – regardless of our role - put the pursuit of the truth and the defense of our nation above all else.  Our mission was to follow the facts wherever they lead, and to report those facts with unimpeachable integrity.  This case is no exception.  I fully support Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein’s decision to appoint former FBI Director Mueller – who I served under as an FBI Special Agent - as special counsel to oversee the federal investigation into Russian interference in last year’s election. As DAG Rosenstein’s noted: 'Our nation is grounded on the rule of law, and the public must be assured that government officials administer the law fairly.”  Now that this matter is in the hands of independent investigators and prosecutors, it is imperative that Congress proceed with doing the people's business.'"