Congress Must Name Select Committee in Wake of New Intelligence Report on Russian Interference in 2016 Election:

Statement of Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn

The newly declassified intelligence report clearly shows that Congress must act swiftly to create a Select Committee to review the findings of this report in a nonpartisan manner and make recommendations moving forward.  The integrity of our elections and national security were attacked and the issue has become too partisan to proceed through normal committee channels on Capitol Hill. The information in the report provides evidence that Vladimir Putin ordered and the Russian government was directly involved in hacking both Democratic and Republican groups and attempted to influence the outcome of the election in favor of President-elect Trump. Russia’s activities are a serious affront to our free nation, our democratic values, and our sovereignty. To fully protect our democracy and ensure this intrusion is not repeated, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell must immediately follow the recommendation of Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Jack Reed, and Chuck Schumer to create a bipartisan Select Committee.  The findings of this report demand a Select Committee to review and make recommendations and ensure that American voters know the full extent of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election.