Congressman Carson Asks for Independent Commission to Investigate Russian Election Hacking

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congressman André Carson, Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,  joined with more than 150 House Democrats in asking for an independent commission to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

The Protecting Our Democracy Act would create a 12-member, bipartisan, independent commission charged with  interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents, issuing subpoenas, and receiving public testimony to examine the attempts made by the Russian government or others to use electronic means to influence, interfere with, or undermine trust in last year’s U.S. elections. 

“While it is disturbing that our incoming President benefited from these intrusions, the implications of this assessment go far beyond the 2016 election,” said Rep. Andre Carson. “This level of Russian involvement is a serious escalation, targeting the very foundation of our democracy. While the Intelligence Committee will continue its investigation, we need an independent assessment of Russian interference that can determine its impacts without the pressures of partisan politics. We need to know for certain the full scope of this intrusion, its lasting impacts on our electoral system, and the appropriate response.”

The commission would examine any similar efforts by any other foreign governments or entities and would issue a final report with recommendations to Congress and the President within 18 months of enactment.