Those in favor argue that special investigation, especially those looking into presidential actions, should not be subject to presidential interference. Supporters point out that this is a bill that passed through a Senate committee with bipartisan support. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) said, “This is the message that needs to be sent to the President. We need to pass the bill. Whether it passes the House or not I'm not in control of that, but we need to pass it out of the Senate. I think it's important enough, particularly after the firing of the attorney general, to use the leverage I have." 

Those against argue that this bill is a solution in search of a problem. Opponents point out that the President has said on many occasions that he will not fire Robert Mueller or end his probe. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) cited a 30-year-old dissent by Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia arguing that protecting an independent counsel from presidential power creates a “fourth branch of government.” They say it would fundamentally undermine the principle of separation of powers. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “We have a lot of things to do to finish up this year without taking votes on things that are completely irrelevant to outcomes.”