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Larson Calls on Congress to Address Actions by Russia

February 17, 2017

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the recent acts of aggression from the Russians:

"The first three weeks of the Trump administration have been filled with turmoil as national security concerns continue to linger over the potentially compromising relationship between administration officials and the Russian government. This week alone began with the resignation of Lt. General Michael Flynn from the National Security Council, who resigned after misleading the administration and the American people about the phone calls with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, regarding the sanctions imposed on Russia over confirmed interference in our electoral system. The Trump Administration still lacks a coherent explanation for its handling of Flynn after knowing weeks ago that he mislead the Vice President, the American people, and the FBI. There is much that doesn't add up and the American people deserve answers.

"It's troubling that Flynn is the third person from the Trump campaign or administration to have resigned over connections with Russia. While we will never know the true effects of the Russian interference on the outcome of the election, unless a change is made, Russia will continue to attempt to influence in our electoral system, the most important tool in our Democracy. Due to the serious implications of these questions, I will be working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House and Senate to take much needed legislative action to:

1. Create an independent commission to investigate Russian meddling in the United States elections and provide recommendations on how to strengthen our systems against foreign intrusions;

2. Engage Congress in fulfilling its own oversight role in uncovering the extent of Russia's malign activities to manipulate our Democracy. Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested the idea of a Senate Select Committee. I join that call and would support making it a bicameral select committee; and

3. Update our cyber security capabilities by instituting a uniform policy to meet new challenges of the modern cyber world.

"Congress has an obligation to answer repeated bipartisan calls to establish an independent commission to get the full scope of the breach in order to protect ourselves in the future, and determine whether any laws were broken. This investigation will be a key step towards creating a better cyber security landscape for the U.S. and a more secure electoral process. Russia cannot be allowed to continue to meddle in our democracy," said Larson. "We must restore trust in Lincoln's promise 'that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall never perish from the earth.' It is time we take action and put a stop to this. "

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