Lawmakers are quickly backing the decision to name former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special counsel for the probe into Russia's meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The administration was under growing pressure to name a special counsel in the wake of President Trump's decision to fire James Comey, with Democrats increasingly demanding the move over the last week.

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A growing number of House Republicans have backed the issue amid allegations that Trump tried to quash a probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Though most GOP senators had held off from backing a special counsel, a growing number are quickly endorsing the move as a path forward on investigating Russia's election interference.

Three GOP senators on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own probe into the 2016 election, cast Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's decision as a step in the right direction.

BURR: “I think it’s a positive move by the acting attorney general," per @FoxReports — Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 17, 2017

Excellent choice for special counsel by Deputy AG. Fmr FBI Director Bob Mueller has sterling credentials & is above reproach #mepolitics — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) May 17, 2017

"He has sterling credentials and is above reproach. Because of his experience leading the FBI for more than a decade, Mr. Mueller has established relationships with FBI agents and will be able to move forward quickly. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle and will inspire public confidence in the investigation," Collins added in a statement.

Collins was expected to ask Rosenstein about a special counsel during a closed-door briefing with senators scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) called it "initially" positive, while Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), who is not on the Intelligence Committee, said at a Washington Post Live event that Mueller "is a guy whose career is unimpeachable."

Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) told MSNBC that the decision was "a very positive development."

Wednesday's announcement is the third announcement in as many days that has appeared to catch lawmakers by surprise. Democrats and some Republicans were expected to raise a special counsel with Rosenstein during Thursday's meeting.

Many congressional Republicans are remaining silent in the immediate wake of the news. Other GOP lawmakers also had more tempered comments.

I look forward to hearing from Deputy AG Rosenstein about his decision to appoint a special counsel when he briefs the Senate tomorrow. — Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) May 17, 2017

The quick reaction from lawmakers came amid silence from the White House. Rosenstein announced Wednesday that he was using his "capacity as acting Attorney General" to make the decision.

Democrats have clamored for months for the Justice Department to name a special counsel to oversee the investigation, which includes potential ties between Trump campaign officials and Moscow.

Many Democratic lawmakers quickly praised the move to pick Mueller.

Appointment of special counsel is very positive. Mueller is a solid choice who will help reestablish public confidence in FBI investigation: pic.twitter.com/6ngjbLL3Bg — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) May 17, 2017

"[It's] a very solid and significant step," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told CNN shortly after the announcement. "I think it sounds a resounding signal that the Department of Justice is going to be the Department of Justice."

Many of Blumenthal's colleagues quickly weighed in Twitter.

With Sessions and Rosenstein compromised, this was a necessary step forward. https://t.co/QFi3bT8hOw — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 17, 2017

This investigation must be given the full resources and independence it needs to succeed. — Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) May 17, 2017

Despite the announcement, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she still wants an independent commission.

“A special prosecutor is the first step, but it cannot be the last. Director Mueller will still be in the chain of command under the Trump-appointed leadership of the Justice Department. ... A special prosecutor does not negate the need for vigorous Congressional investigations either," she said in a statement.

Blumenthal told CNN that "there needs to be some more clarity on the scope of his mandate."