Donald M. Payne: “Are we witnessing the first Manchurian presidency in the history of the United States? This resignation of President…”

“Are we witnessing the first Manchurian presidency in the history of the United States? This resignation of President Trump's National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, has done nothing to end the controversy surrounding the administration's relationship with Russia. I am calling for an independent investigation into Flynn's actions. The White House knew for weeks that Flynn misled about his secret communications with the Russian Ambassador, but apparently that was not a problem for the Trump administration as long as it was hidden from the public. Did the White House authorize Flynn's secret communications? Did the President? Why wasn't Flynn gone sooner? We don't know yet the answers to these and other questions. What we do know is that the Trump administration is not prepared to protect this Nation. For all their talk of national security, Republicans are giving President Trump a pass. An independent investigation into Flynn's actions is needed. The investigation must determine if improper relationships between the Trump administration and the Russian Government exist. Mr. Speaker, the American people are demanding to know, and they deserve to know just how tight Russia's grip is on the Trump administration. ____________________”