Esty Calls for Full Investigation of Russian Interference in U.S. Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) today released the following statement regarding the conclusion by the U.S. intelligence community that Russia interfered in the U.S. elections for the purpose of altering the outcome:

“Russia’s efforts to disrupt our recent elections through cyber hacking and dissemination of false media reports present a grave danger to our democracy.  This national security threat demands a serious, bipartisan response. The sanctity of our elections – and the public’s confidence in their outcome – is fundamental to our nation’s very survival.

“The available evidence shows that Russia has not only committed multiple cyberattacks against American political institutions but also deliberately spread lies and propaganda for the purpose of misleading the American people and undermining a free press that is a foundation of our democratic system.

“I support President Obama’s call for a full report by our intelligence agencies on Russia’s interference, and I strongly urge President-elect Trump to support these efforts as well. In addition, Congress must fulfill its oversight role by conducting its own bipartisan investigation and ensuring that our nation’s response is proportionate to the extreme gravity of Russia’s actions.

“We cannot let this assault on American democracy go unanswered.”

###