Congress is spending millions on Russia investigations — but you'll probably never know exactly how much
WASHINGTON — Congress is spending millions of dollars on investigations of Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election, but it’s impossible to tell from public reports exactly how much the probes are costing taxpayers — and the committees running the investigation refuse to talk about it.
The Senate intelligence committee received an extra $1.2 million earlier this year for its investigation and added two employees to help its existing staff with the Russia probes, according to a congressional aide who was not authorized to speak about the subject publicly. The House intelligence committee also added two new lawyers with a combined annual salary of $290,000, expense reports show.
The congressional investigations are only a portion of the cost to taxpayers of the ongoing Russia saga. Special counsel Robert Mueller is running a criminal investigation out of the Justice Department for which there is little public accounting of the costs, and there is no telling how much the White House legal office is spending to respond to inquiries arising from the investigations.
Congress did not create a special committee for the Russia investigation like it did for the House Select Committee on Benghazi, which spent — and disclosed in routine accounting reports — nearly $7 million from 2014 to 2016 investigating the 2012 killing of the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans at the U.S. compound in Libya.
Spending by special committees is much easier to track because their entire budget supports a single investigation. In contrast, the congressional committees conducting Russia probes are existing panels with sweeping responsibilities and expenses unrelated to Russia.
Monthly expense reports filed by the House intelligence committee show that it has spent more than $3.1 million through August of this year on salaries, travel, equipment and other expenses. That is up nearly $600,000 from the same period a year ago and up more than $800,000 over the same period in 2015. The committee would not provide an estimate of how much of that budget is being consumed by the Russia probe.
Attorneys who have worked on congressional investigations in the past estimate that the House and Senate intelligence committees are spending between 20% and 50% of their time on the Russia investigations.
“I would say that up to 20% of their time is spent on the Russia investigation,” said Charles Tiefer, who served as general counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1984 to 1995 and was special deputy chief counsel for the House Iran-Contra Committee’s investigation of the Reagan administration. “When you work with the staff of the House intelligence committee, you’re struck by the vast scale of their responsibility.”
Both the House and Senate intelligence agencies oversee 17 military and civilian intelligence agencies with a total budget estimated at about $75 billion. One of their biggest jobs is to approve an annual bill that authorizes funding for the agencies, a process that Tiefer said involves hours of closed-door, classified briefings from top intelligence officials.Â
“They’re overseeing CIA activities in Iraq and Syria, to give you an example,” said Tiefer, who is now a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
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Andrew Wright, former staff director of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said a major investigation typically required more than 50% of his staff’s time. But he said it’s impossible to say how much time the two intelligence committees are spending on the Russia probe since every committee chairman runs his or her panel differently.
“For an investigation like this, it’s got to be massive,” said Wright, who is an associate professor at Savannah Law School in Georgia and former associate counsel to ex-president Barack Obama.
The Senate intelligence committee, unlike its House counterpart, is not required to file monthly public expense reports. But, in a resolution submitted to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee in February, intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., estimated that the committee’s expenses would be as high as $3.2 million from March through September and as high as $5.5 million from October through September 2018 — the same as the year before — but that was before the committee got the extra $1.2 million for the Russia probe. Â
The Senate committee also refused to say how much of its total budget is being spent on the Russia investigation.
However, by their leaders’ own descriptions, the intelligence committees have been spending a great deal of time on their Russia probes.
At an Oct. 4 news conference, Burr and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., said Senate investigators had interviewed more than 100 witnesses for a total of more than 250 hours and created more than 4,000 pages of transcripts. Staff members also had read more than 100,000 pages of documents and the committee had held 11 public hearings on Russia, the senators said.Â
Burr said the committee planned to interview about 25 more witnesses in October alone.
USA TODAY reported last month that the House intelligence committee paid to send two of its staff investigators to London in July to try to contact Christopher Steele, the former British spy who compiled a dossier on Donald Trump and his alleged ties to the Russian government.
In addition to the two intelligence committees, the Senate Judiciary Committee is conducting a much more limited Russia investigation that focuses mostly on actions by the FBI and the Department of Justice, which it oversees. Spokesman Taylor Foy said the committee had not hired any additional staff to help with its probe.
One of the reasons that congressional committees don’t like to disclose how much time and money they are spending on an investigation is that “they don’t want to have to admit to the lost opportunity costs” of what’s not getting done during the probe, Wright said.Â
“That’s very ingrained in the culture of the Hill,” he said. “You don’t want to admit that maybe you’re letting something else slip.”
The committees are being asked to do major investigations with too little staff, Tiefer said.
The House intelligence committee listed 32 staff members on its latest expense report from August. In contrast, the House Select Committee on Benghazi had 46 staffers and the House Iran-Contra Committee had more than 100.
“I think it’s deliberately being done on the cheap in order for leadership to limit its scope,” Tiefer said.
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Special Counsel Robert Mueller will investigate President Donald Trump. Specifically, Mueller will explore the possibility that Trump obstructed justice.
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Jeff Sessions wants to clear the air on his conversations with Comey | 1:08
In response to testimony from the former FBI director, the attorney general will testify in an open hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Some of Trump’s supporters think Robert Mueller should be fired | 1:08
Some of President Trump’s biggest supporters think special counsel Robert Meuller should be fired. Veuer’s Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
AG Sessions to testify before Senate Intelligence Committee | 0:51
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. It is not clear yet whether the testimony will be heard in a closed or open meeting.
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Republican U.S. Rep. defends both Trump and Comey | 0:38
In the midst of the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump team and Russia, Congressman Dave Brat (R – Virginia) doesn’t think President Donald Trump obstructed justice and doesn’t think former FBI Director James Comey broke the law by leaking a memo he wrote about a conversation with Trump.
Video provided by TheStreet
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump: ‘WOW, Comey is a leaker’ | 0:40
President Trump has some choice words for former FBI Director James Comey.
USA TODAY
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Comey: Lordy I hope there are tapes | 0:40
Former FBI Director James Comey says he was “stunned” by President Trump’s suggestion in the Russia investigation.
USA TODAY
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Analysis: Comey Opens Up About Trump Meetings | 2:04
FBI Director James Comey attempted to settle the score before the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday, describing meetings that he called inappropriate with President Donald Trump about the Russia investigation. (June 8)
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump’s pick for the next FBI director has Russian ties of his own | 1:07
President Trump’s pick for the next FBI director has his own ties to Russia. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland).
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump allies take aim at Comey’s credibility | 1:35
The White House and its allies are scrambling to offset potential damage from fired FBI Director James Comey’s congressional testimony, an appearance that could expose new details about talks with Donald Trump about the investigation into Russia. (June 6)
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Most people don’t trust Trump in the Russia investigation | 0:57
Most people say they don’t trust President Donald Trump when it comes to the ongoing Russia investigation. Veuer’s Nick Cardona (@nickcardona93) has that story.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Top Law Firms Reportedly Declined to Represent Trump in Russia Investigation | 0:40
Four top law firms have declined to represent the president in the White House-Russia investigation.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Report: Trump team sought to lift Russian sanctions | 1:06
Two former diplomats have come forward, saying President Trump tried to lift sanctions against Russia.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
The FBI’s Russia probe is reaching across the pond | 1:07
U.K. politician Nigel Farage is reportedly a ‘person of interest’ in the FBI’s probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
It’s official, James Comey will testify about Trump and Russia | 1:06
Former FBI Director James Comey will testify in what will sure to be must-see TV. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) explains why.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
The White House says it won’t answer questions about Russia anymore | 1:01
Press secretary Sean Spicer has told reporters to direct any questions involving Russia to the president’s outside attorney.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
There’s a new name in the FBI’s Trump-Russia collusion probe | 0:51
As the FBI continues to investigate potential ties between President Trump’s campaign and Russia, a new name has entered the mix: Nigel Farage. Veuer’s Troy Frisby (@troyfrisby) has the details.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Michael Flynn pleads The Fifth over Russia investigation | 0:53
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn has refused to cooperate with a subpoena from the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump reportedly asked intel chiefs to deny evidence in Russia probe | 0:42
One official told The Washington Post the president wanted to “muddy the waters” about the Russian investigation.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump to Russians: Firing ‘nut job’ James Comey relieved pressure | 0:59
President Donald Trump told Russian diplomats that firing former FBI director James Comey relieved “great pressure” he felt regarding the bureau’s investigation into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia according to NYT.
Time
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump says special counsel appointment is a ‘witch hunt’ | 1:05
President Donald Trump denounced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate his campaign’s ties with Russia Thursday, repeatedly calling it an unprecedented ‘witch hunt’ that “hurts our country terribly.”
Time
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
TIME’s new cover gives the White House a renovation | 0:59
Time Magazine’s new cover shows the White House getting a Russian makeover. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland).
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Russia tried to take over 10,000 Pentagon workers Twitter accounts | 0:50
It looks like Russia tried to hack the Twitter accounts of Defense Department officials. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland).
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump team had a lot more contact with Russia than thought | 1:00
Trump aides had 18 previously unknown contacts with Russian officials via phone, email and text messages according to current and former U.S. officials in a new Reuters report. Jose Sepulveda(@josesepulvedatv) has more.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Former FBI Director Mueller to lead Russia probe | 0:36
The Justice Department has appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel to oversee a federal investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election. (May 17)
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Russia investigation special counsel: Who is Robert Mueller? | 1:02
Robert Mueller will oversee the Russia investigation. Here’s a look at his background.
USA TODAY
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Ryan: ‘We need the facts’ on Trump Russia links | 2:47
House Speaker Paul Ryan argues against rush to judgment on President Donald Trump revelations, adding “we need the facts.” (May 17)
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump: Russian FM meeting ‘very successful’ | 0:47
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had a ‘very, very successful meeting’ with the Russian foreign minister last week in the Oval Office, but ignored reporter questions about whether he revealed classified information during that discussion.
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
White House: No need for special prosecutor | 2:59
During the daily White House briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the President believes there is no need for a special prosecutor to investigate ties between Russia and the Trump Campaign. (May 15)
AP
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump’s lawyers say he has no income from Russians | 0:43
Donald Trump’s lawyers reviewed his last ten years of tax returns and say he does not have any income from Russians. Elizabeth Keatinge (@elizkeatinge) has more.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Sean Hannity claims Trump-Russia link is a ‘bizarre conspiracy theory’ | 1:05
Fox News Host Sean Hannity has an interesting take on the alleged ties between President Donald Trump and Russia; he’s calling it a ‘bizarre conspiracy theory’. Susana Victoria Perez (@susana_vp) has more.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Michael Flynn associates issued subpoenas in Russia investigation | 0:58
As part of the ongoing investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election, federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to associates of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Josh King has the story (@abridgetoland).
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Republican Senator wants to investigate Trump for Russian ties | 1:13
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he wants to examine fellow Republican President Donald Trump’s business dealings for any ties to Russia, CNN reported on Tuesday, one day after the issue was raised at a Senate hearing.
Time
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Sally Yates to testify on Russia election probe | 0:47
Whether President Trump likes it or not, Sally Yates, the former acting Attorney General he fired will dish on if she knows anything about the alleged Russian inference with the election. Aaron Dickens reports.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump properties tied to alleged Russian mobsters | 1:39
President Trump and his properties have been linked to at least 10 wealthy former Soviet businessmen with alleged ties to criminal organizations and money laundering.
USA TODAY
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Trump’s former manager Paul Manafort reportedly pitched plan to benefit Vladimir Putin | 1:34
Questions about President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and his ties to Russia deepened following a report that he secretly worked for a Russian billionaire to advance the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the mid-2000s. Read The Full Story Here: Trump’s Former Manager Manafort Reportedly Pitched Plan to Benefit Putin
Video provided by TheStreet
Newslook
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
John McCain on President Trump’s Russian Connections: ‘Lot of Shoes to Drop’ | 1:00
Arizona Sen. John McCain said “there’s a lot of shoes to drop” regarding more information about President Trump and his team’s ties to Russia.
Time
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Report: Trump campaign approved adviser’s trip to Russia | 1:27
A new report from Politico is shining more light on President Donald Trump’s administrative ties to Russia. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmrnate) reports.
Buzz60
CLOSERUSSIA: THE SCANDAL TRUMP CAN’T SHAKE
Dems: Trump, Russia relationship ‘disconcerting’ | 1:46
While introducing bipartisan legislation that would give Congress the ability to review any changes to sanctions on Russia, House Democrats spoke out against alleged ties between the Trump administration and Russia. (Feb. 15)
AP
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