Thompson: Shocking Secretary Nielsen Hasn’t Read 2017 Intel Assessment, Isn’t Aware Russia Helped Trump
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Homeland Security Nielsen’s alarming comments after the House of Representative’s election security briefing today:
“I was shocked to hear that Secretary Nielsen has apparently not bothered to read the January 2017 Intelligence Community assessment that Russia interfered in our elections and undermined our democratic process to help President Trump win. This report is over a year old, has stood the test of time, was agreed to by the entire Intelligence Community, and was backed up by Senate investigators. The fact that she did not seem aware of the report’s findings while briefing members of Congress on the very important topic of election security is appalling to all who have tried to make progress on this issue since 2016 with little help from Republicans or this Administration. I sincerely hope the Secretary’s comments today were not just rhetorical gymnastics to placate the President.”
“Even though this report is widely available, I will be sure to deliver the Secretary a copy. After today’s briefing, it is clear that our government must do more, and whatever possible, to secure our elections from foreign interference. The integrity of our democracy is at stake and comments like those from the Secretary today are not helpful.”
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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
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