Trip Report: Homeland Security Bipartisan Delegation To France And Eastern Europe

Press Release

In light of Russia's interference in our election and efforts to destabilize democratic states in Europe, Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) recently lead a bipartisan Congressional delegation to France, Poland, Estonia, and Ukraine to examine cybersecurity issues. The delegation was in France the day before their presidential election in which one of the candidates was the target of aggressive Russian misinformation campaign. They also met with officials in Estonia, which has greatly increased its cyber capabilities since a crippling Russian cyberattack in 2007. They then met with leaders in Poland and Ukraine to discuss the importance of European security and NATO and to investigate the ways Russia threatens Eastern Europe with their cyber and military capabilities.

Chairman McCaul: "The timing of this trip was absolutely critical as Russia continues to wage a cyber war around the world and engage in military action against our allies. We must continue to work with and support these European nations to combat any and all Russian efforts to destabilize and interfere with them. After standing on the front-lines of Russian aggression and speaking with the leaders of these countries, I came away knowing we need to do all we can to support them, but also that we can all learn from their past experiences to bolster our own cybersecurity posture and national security."

The Congressional delegation included: Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Kenny Marchant (R-TX), Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX), Congresswoman Martha McSally (R-AZ), Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY).

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