Sen. Joni Ernst says Mueller testimony may not be necessary, CNN reports

Anna Spoerre
The Des Moines Register

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the committee may not need testimony from Special Counsel Robert Mueller, CNN reports.

Ernst told the news channel that she expects the committee to focus on confirming federal judges, not delving into the details of the special counsel's investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. 

"I don't know that that's necessary," Ernst said of Mueller testifying. "We have the report so we can go from there."

The Justice Department on Thursday released a redacted version of Mueller's 448-page report.

More:Read Special Counsel Robert Mueller's full Trump-Russia report

There's a "potential" for hearings, Ernst told CNN. "But, really, the House seems all over this. I know that we will continue to work on judges as a primary concern in (Senate) Judiciary."

Ernst added that she wants to focus instead on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, CNN reported.

In March, Attorney General William Barr released a four-page summary concluding that Mueller did not find a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia. He said the special counsel did not determine whether the president obstructed the investigation.  

Following the letter's release, Ernst and Sen. Chuck Grassley called on Barr to release the full details of Mueller's investigation. 

More:Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst call for a full release of the Mueller report findings

“I strongly believe that as much of the report that can be made public should be — barring any national security threat," Ernst said at the time. "Taxpayers have paid millions for this investigation; it’s only right that they see its findings.”

Ernst was also asked by CNN if she was concerned by Trump's behavior outlined in the report.

"I think we all know who the president is, he has a brash demeanor, that's about all I can say," Ernst said.

Anna Spoerre is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. She can be reached by email at aspoerre@dmreg.com, by phone at 515-284-8387, or on Twitter at @annaspoerre.