Congress won't see Barr's summary of Mueller report as Washington awaits Russia probe results

WASHINGTON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Congress won't see Attorney General William Barr's summary of the just-concluded Russia investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller on Saturday, as Washington awaits conclusions of the nearly two-year inquiry that has shadowed the White House.

Barr is not sending his summary of Mueller's report to Congress on Saturday, said multiple media reports citing an anonymous official of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Mueller has finished his inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election by submitting a confidential report to Barr on Friday.

Barr, who reportedly arrived at the DOJ building in Washington D.C. on Saturday morning, is reviewing Mueller's findings. He told lawmakers Friday that he may provide Congress with the "principal conclusions" this weekend.

A DOJ official told media that Barr was working with advisers to determine what to include in a summary to Congress, adding that the attorney general will not deliver it on Saturday.

Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in May 2017 to lead an inquiry into possible collusion between Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow during the 2016 presidential election and whether the president obstructed justice, among other things.

The investigation has led to felony charges against 34 people, including six Trump associates, and three entities, triggering fierce criticism from the president and his political allies. Most of the charges were related to lying to Congress or federal investigators.

Russia has denied any meddling in the 2016 election.

Mueller "will be concluding his service in the coming days," Peter Carr, spokesman for the special counsel's office, said Friday. A senior Justice Department official said Mueller is not recommending any further indictments.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Saturday that even if there are no further prosecutions from Mueller, "the underlying findings must be provided to Congress."

In a letter to colleagues, Pelosi said Barr's offer to provide Congress with a summary of conclusions was "insufficient."

"Congress requires the full report and the underlying documents so that the Committees can proceed with their independent work, including oversight and legislating to address any issues the Mueller report may raise," she added.

The White House said Saturday it has not received and has not been briefed on the report.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters that press secretary Sarah Sanders' statement issued Friday night still stands. Sanders said the next steps are up to Barr, and the White House looks forward to "the process taking its course."

Trump has remained silent on the conclusion of Mueller's investigation, which he has repeatedly blasted as a "hoax" or a "witch hunt." The president was at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday.