Congressman Thompson Introduces Resolution of Inquiry to Push for Russia Investigation
Statement
Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced a Resolution of Inquiry directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide the Committee on Homeland Security with all information it possesses pertaining to Russia interfering with the 2016 Presidential election -- including all information pertaining to Russia hacking U.S. citizens and institutions last year. This information could include any memos, correspondence, research, or analysis of Russia's interference or hacking activities. Once this information is obtained, the Committee can begin to properly investigate this matter. Under House rules, unless the resolution is considered by the Committee within 14 days, it can be called up in the House for immediate consideration.
"The Kremlin's campaign to hack our political institutions and interfere with the 2016 Presidential election was a fundamental attack on our democracy. Congress has a constitutional obligation to investigate given the unanimous determination of our Intelligence Community that Putin's government successfully meddled in our democracy and would likely attempt to do so again. With the investigation in the House Intelligence Committee torpedoed by its Chairman's bizarre and inappropriate behavior, our Committee must step up to the plate and get to the root of this debacle."
"As FBI Director James Comey testified last week about the cyber threat posed by Russia: "they'll be back'. For the sake of the integrity of our democracy, the Committee on Homeland Security must act and investigate what our government knew about Russia's hacking and election meddling and what actions were taken to mitigate any harm. I urge my colleagues to recognize the need -- as a majority of Americans have -- to investigate the Kremlin's nefarious activities. Our Committee has a longstanding and unique history of bipartisan cooperation on national security matters and I believe we can put politics aside for the good of the country. Approving this resolution would be the first step towards providing answers to the American people and preventing future damage to our democracy."
The Resolution of Inquiry (H. Res. 235) can be found here.
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