Castro Statement on Declassified Report on Russian Interference in the U.S. Election

San Antonio, TX – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the declassified Intelligence Community Assessment of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 U.S. election: 
 
“The intelligence community has determined that President Putin ordered the Russian government to manipulate our nation’s presidential election through an extensive cyber operation and influence campaign. This assessment reinforces previous findings presented to the American people.  
 
“U.S. intelligence officials are highly-skilled individuals whose mission is to protect the American people and our nation’s interests around the world, often at great personal sacrifice. Congressional leadership from both parties have voiced their strong confidence in these brave public servants’ work. Our President-elect’s repeated denigration of their efforts is troubling and dangerous. 
 
“Congress now has a responsibility to act on this report. I support the Obama Administration’s recent sanctions against Russia and encourage the creation of an independent, bipartisan commission to focus on this matter. Attempts to undermine our democracy and Americans’ confidence in the electoral process will not be tolerated.”   

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