WASHINGTON, May 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement Wednesday after Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein announced the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as a special counsel to oversee its investigation into Russian meddling in the election:

“Robert Mueller’s appointment as special counsel to oversee the Russia investigation is a positive step. I am hopeful that he will help us get to the bottom of the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia, including any role the president may have played.

“To ensure the American people have full confidence in this investigation, it must be conducted in an open and transparent manner and be given the full resources it needs. Additionally, the ongoing investigations by both the Senate and House must continue.”