On the recordJuly 12, 2018
In light of the upcoming one-on-one meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin, I rise today to remind the American people about the cloud of collusion hanging over their heads. As the American people continue to learn details of this unfolding scandal, the implausible idea of Russia compromising the President of the United States becomes more fact than fiction. The President, his family members, his campaign staff, and his close associates have repeatedly lied about their multiple contacts with Russian officials and close associates of Putin. They have had no consistent explanation for these meetings. It has happened over and over. Furthermore, the President continues to parrot Putin's version of world events over those of his own American career civil servants, intelligence operatives, military officials, and allies. This betrayal has become like clockwork, an inexplicable routine we cannot simply shrug off. While it is possible the current list of known campaign contacts, positive policy positions, and fawning statements have an innocuous explanation, there is a simpler reason the House should be investigating: Has President Donald Trump been covertly influenced or personally compromised by Russia, a hostile foreign power? Russian intelligence is known for using blackmail that exploits greed, stupidity, and ego--and other weaknesses--to leverage over people. He has employed Mr. Michael Cohen, Mr.…
