Keating Calls for Independent Review of Russian Election Interference

March 10, 2017

William Richard Keating

WASHINGTON – Congressman William Keating is calling for an independent commission to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election and any contacts members of the Trump campaign may have had with Russian officials.

In a statement, Keating called on Republicans serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to support legislation establishing an independent review of the matter. The Bourne Democrat said the approach taken by Republicans in the House “doesn’t cut it.”

Keating is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Ranking Member of the Terroism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee.

You can read his full statement below:

“As Members of Congress who were elected to protect the safety and best interests of this country, and as Americans who believe in the integrity of our democracy, we must address Russia’s interference in our 2016 elections. Make no mistake, Russia is a hostile country who attacked the very heart of our democratic institutions.

“Today’s Foreign Affairs Committee hearing addressed Russia’s external influence and general effort to undermine democratic states. This simply doesn’t cut it. As I and my Democratic colleagues on the Committee urged, it is time for our friends across the aisle to acknowledge the severity of the situation before us and join with every single Democratic Member of Congress who are united in calling for an independent commission. This legislation must be taken up by the Committee.

“Unfortunately, the incredible level of secrecy around—and volume of—contacts between members of the Trump campaign, Russian officials, and a trail of Russian money has called into question the conflicts of interest within and surrounding our very own White House. Already, we know that our Attorney General, the Nation’s number one law enforcement official, misled Congress on this exact issue. The only way to restore faith and trust in our government is to ensure that an investigation is led by an independent commission.”