bears upon

“Boeing is so big that almost every discussion of strategy, budgets or programs bears upon its interests,” he said.

Mr. Barr noted that Mr. Mueller had said there was insufficient evidence to prove any underlying offense of conspiring with Russia, and that “the absence of such evidence bears upon the president’s intent.”

The lack of an underlying crime “bears upon the President’s intent with respect to obstruction,” Barr wrote.

That is not necessary to charge the crime of obstruction, Barr noted, but he added, “the absence of such evidence bears upon the President’s intent with respect to obstruction.”

Barr cited this shortcoming in his letter, saying that, “while not determinative, the absence of such evidence bears upon the president’s intent with respect to obstruction.”