Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerDemocrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise Pelosi, Schumer 'encouraged' by Trump call for bigger coronavirus relief package Schumer, Sanders call for Senate panel to address election security MORE (D-N.Y.) is calling for an "impartial and independent" investigation into Russia's interference in the presidential election following President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Schumer outlined Democratic demands in a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, voicing concern that the "subject" of the FBI's investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia may try to "quash" the probe.

"The only thing we are seeking is that the investigations are carried out in an impartial and independent way, that we get all the facts," Schumer said. "All we are seeking is some assurance that the subject of this investigation is not able to influence it or, God forbid, quash it."

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"Serious doubts have been cast on Mr. Rosenstein's impartiality," he said. "Mr. Rostenstein signed his name to a highly political memo arguing for Director Comey's dismissal."

Senate GOP leadership has shown no sign that it has reversed course and would support a special counsel for the investigation.

Schumer repeated the demand on Wednesday afternoon, adding that "they should do it soon because the questions are just swirling about."

Democrats are signaling that they are willing to slow down the Senate in a bid to get leverage in the fight over Comey's firing. They blocked a routine request for committees to meet earlier Wednesday, sparking GOP frustration.

Schumer praised the move, arguing it was the "right thing" to do.

"We ought to hear from Mr. Comey. At this moment [there is] a profound doubt about the reasons and timing of FBI Director Comey's firing by the president, about the status and progress of the very serious investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia by his agency. We require answers," Schumer said.