Quigley Statement on House Republicans’ Decision to Prematurely End the Russia Investigation

WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as a Member on the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement:

"The decision by House Republicans to prematurely abandon the Russia investigation should put to rest any doubts about what has been the true goal of the Majority throughout this process: to protect the President, his associates, and this Administration at all costs – even at the expense of our safety and security.

"While we have learned a lot over the past year, we have not even begun to scratch the surface of Russian interference in the 2016 election and the role Trump campaign associates played in that process. For House Republicans to determine that there was no collusion between President Trump and Russia at this early stage is as disingenuous as it is suspicious. There are also numerous important topics the investigation hasn't adequately addressed—or even broached—including money laundering and how we can best safeguard future elections. At the same time, there are key witnesses, including Erik Prince and Roger Stone, who we know have lied to the committee. Yet, Republicans have done everything they can to defend these witnesses from answering our questions truthfully and have done nothing to corroborate a word they've said. Unfortunately, with our investigation coming to a premature end, we won't be in a position to respond or hold those witnesses accountable.

"From Chairman Nunes' consistent coordination with the White House to the release of a misleading classified memo attacking the FBI and DOJ, Speaker Ryan has been complicit in the breakdown of the investigation and the growing degradation of our democratic institutions. His lack of leadership and courage is striking.

"House Republicans have weakened our committee's credibility at every turn through endless efforts to distract, delay, and deflect. Now, they are conveniently ending our investigation and using the committee's lack of credibility as their rationale. Ultimately, the core mission of the investigation has not been met, and we remain vulnerable to future attack. With less than eight months to go before midterm elections, House Republicans have decided to abdicate their duties—sending an important message to Russia, as well as the American people, that we are not serious about combating future threats that undermine our most important democratic processes and institutions. The only people who are pleased with this outcome are President Trump, Vladimir Putin, and the House Republicans who took part in this charade."