Rep. Meeks Statement on Trump Receiving Intel Briefing on Russian Hacking
Rep. Meeks Statement on Trump Receiving Intel Briefing on Russian Hacking
Washington, D.C.—Ranking Member of the House Subcommitee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, Congressman Meeks, issued the following statement after Trump received a briefing from the intelligence community about Russian interfering in the 2016 election:
"Now the American public can see for themselves what our brave intelligence officers and national security agencies have concluded concerning the recent U.S. election. The report confirms what both Republicans and Democrats have been saying about the actions and intentions of the Russian government in undermining democracies around the world.
"I have repeatedly called on our Foreign Affairs Committee leadership to put aside a bizarre and partisan hesitancy to discuss the facts and hold an open hearing to examine Russian hacking and disinformation in a bipartisan, public manner. At pivotal times such as this, we must put our country and the health of our democracy above politics.
"Today, Mr. Trump finally sat down to be briefed by the intelligence community about Russian interference only to beat his chest and conclude that the Russian government did not decide the election for him. He is fundamentally unable to understand that the interference was not specifically about him, but rather about the integrity of our electoral process. Furthermore, it is time the President Elect treats our Intelligence Community—who have dedicated their lives to protecting their fellow countrymen and women—with the respect they deserve. Yes, we should maintain a healthy amount of skepticism of all intelligence presented to us, but to disparage our American intelligence officers and belittle the work they do is undeserved and downright dangerous.
"Now that the evidence is out there for the world to see, it is my sincere hope that my Republican colleagues will heed the mounting calls for a full, open hearing so Members of Congress can assess and properly respond to this attack on our democracy."