(CNN) House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Tuesday he is in favor of the public release of a memo, which alleges the FBI abused its surveillance tools, but said he is telling GOP House members that there needs to be separation between those allegations and the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. "I think because of all the loose political rhetoric floating around here, we need to make sure we explain that there is a separation between these things," the Wisconsin Republican said. Asked if he was delivering that message to his conference, some of whom have pointed to the memo as reason to disband the special counsel probe altogether, Ryan answered: "Yes." But Ryan made a point to defend the special prosecutor, saying, "this is a completely separate matter from Bob Mueller's investigation and his investigation should be allowed to take its course." He also praised the deputy attorney, who some say should be fired, "I think Rod Rosenstein is doing a fine job,"On the memo, which was written by Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, Ryan didn't hedge.

Source: CNN January 30, 2018 14:49 UTC