Quigley: Judiciary Committee Markup Requires Republicans to Initiate Oversight on Wiretapping Claims

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the House Judiciary Committee's consideration of his resolution H. Res. 203, which asks the White House and Justice Department to provide information, if any, on Trump's allegation that President Obama wiretapped him. You can watch the live stream here.

"Today, the Judiciary Committee will markup my resolution of inquiry directly requesting the White House and Department of Justice provide any evidence they have regarding President Trump's wiretapping claim. Baseless accusations of illegal wiretapping should be taken literally and seriously, and today's Committee markup finally requires House Republicans to acknowledge these claims and initiate oversight. The Trump Administration has an obligation to provide the American people with proof to substantiate any allegation; no matter how absurd. If they fail to do so, it is the responsibility of Congress to compel the administration to produce evidence in an effort to conduct a basic level of oversight. Although FBI Director Comey, as well as the Justice Department, have found President Trump's accusations to be groundless, we still have no understanding of what, if any, sources President Trump used before making his unsubstantiated claims. I hope Republicans on the Committee step up to the plate, support our request for information and accountability, and in doing so, fulfill their duty to the American people."