Potential Russian Influence in U.S. Elections Calls for Bipartisan Inquiry, DeGette Says

Washington, DC – In response to ongoing media reports that the U.S. intelligence community has found that the Russian Federation directed activities to influence the outcome of the U.S. elections in November, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), today called for a bipartisan inquiry that will present its conclusions to the public. 

“The prospect of a foreign power meddling in U.S. elections should concern all Americans, along with those who support democracy around the world,” DeGette said.  “Getting to the bottom of this alarming prospect is the job of an impartial inquiry with access to all the relevant facts, including highly classified information.  Sorting through that information and presenting a coherent and responsible account must be an urgent priority for the U.S. government.”

To meet these objectives, DeGette intends to cosponsor the recently-introduced Protecting Our Democracy Act (H.R. 6447).  It would create a bipartisan and independent commission to interview witnesses, obtain documents, receive public testimony and, where necessary, issue subpoenas. The commission would be required to issue a final report with recommendations to Congress and the President within 18 months of the bill’s enactment.

“It is irresponsible to downplay or dismiss the information that has been presented by major media about this threat,” DeGette said.  “We need to defend the legitimacy of U.S. elections at the local, state and national levels.  This is not a partisan issue.  Nothing less than the international credibility of our country as an example and leader in promoting democracy is at stake.”