Nydia M. Velazquez: “Russia's efforts to influence our election constitutes a direct assault on our democracy. These alarming events must be…”

“Russia's efforts to influence our election constitutes a direct assault on our democracy. These alarming events must be thoroughly investigated. In particular, we must determine if any Americans collaborated in these attacks and are legally culpable. Sadly, the House Intelligence Committee chairman is either unwilling or incapable of conducting a fair investigation. How can Mr. Nunes run this investigation if he is briefing the President before talking with members of his committee? How can he be secretly meeting with so-called sources at the White House? Madam Speaker, the American people need to know that democracy is intact, and that requires a full, fair, and impartial investigation. Since December, I have repeatedly called for the Department of Justice to appoint a special counsel. I have also cosponsored legislation to create a bipartisan commission to investigate. The bottom line is this: Chairman Nunes has lost all credibility. He must recuse himself. We need a real investigation. Appoint a special counsel now. ____________________”