Comey Testimony Before Lawmakers in Doubt After Special Counsel Named

CAPITOL HILL — 

U.S. senators of both political parties said Thursday that the public's window into federal probes involving Russia and related matters could be constrained now that a special counsel has been appointed to lead the probe.

Senators spoke after meeting Thursday behind closed doors with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to head the Justice Department's investigation of Russian meddling in last year's presidential election and any collusion by the Trump campaign.

WATCH: Graham: Rosenstein to Proceed as Criminal Investigation

"Congress' ability to conduct investigations of all things Russia has been severely limited," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. "If I were Mr. Mueller, I would jealously guard the witness pool. So, one of the biggest losers in this decision is the public."

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited witness is former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by Trump and reportedly wrote memos alleging the president pressured him to halt a probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Committees in both houses of Congress have invited Comey to testify publicly.

Need as 'great as ever'

"The need for former Director Comey to come testify in public soon is as great as ever," said the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York.

But Mueller could nix such an appearance, wanting to keep Comey's testimony out of the public eye until the special counsel's work is done.

"I think that's an open question," said Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware when asked whether Comey would appear before Congress, adding that it remained to be seen "how ongoing congressional investigations will be coordinated with the special counsel."

WATCH: Durbin: Rosenstein Knew Comey Would Be Fired Before Writing Memo

"Mueller's in charge, completely in charge of this investigation," said Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. "But beyond that, we're going to have to work this thing out.

"I don't know where this will go. But I trust Mueller."

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