Barr vows to protect Russia probe from WH

RESENDING WITH FULL SCRIPT At his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, President Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department, William Barr, plans to tell lawmakers he will protect the Russia probe under special counsel Robert Mueller.

According to prepared testimony, Barr will tell them, quote, "On my watch, Bob will be allowed to complete his work." Mueller is investigating election interference by Russia and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's 2016 campaign.

Barr previously served as attorney general in the early 90s.

In a 20-page memo he sent to the Justice Department last year, he criticized the probe as "fatally misconceived".

But in his testimony, Barr will say the criticism was focused only on his concerns that Mueller might be misinterpreting the law on whether Trump could have obstructed justice.

Trump has denied any collusion and frequently refers to the probe as a witch hunt.

Democrats are expected to press Barr about his commitment to the Mueller investigation.