Quigley Statement on Intelligence Committee’s Open Hearing

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), released the following statement on the Committee's first open hearing, which was attended by FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Mike Rogers. You can watch Rep. Quigley's first series of questioning on collusion here.

"President Trump is now the only person still denying what we have known all along: Russia hacked our democratic process and will do so again if given the chance. Director Comey has confirmed the validity of this interference, and today, he also confirmed the existence of the FBI's investigation into President Trump's ties with Russia. Whether President Trump and his associates knowingly or unknowingly conspired with Russia is still circumstantial at this point. However, if it was an instance of collusion or deceit, both must be investigated thoroughly and equally in our search for answers.

"It is no secret that Moscow has a longstanding desire to undermine the liberal democratic order led by the United States. Putin's goal to erode public trust in the democratic process is evident by their intrusion in our election, but also by their willingness to disrupt the electoral process across Europe. Just ask our allies in Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Sweden. Hacking, disinformation, rumors, and public confusion are tried and true tools straight out of the Kremlin playbook, and we have seen them in action here at home and around the world.

"Our ongoing investigation is just beginning, and today's open hearing was a key step in our efforts to ensure Russia never meddles in our democracy again. And while there is strong bipartisan agreement that leaks must be taken seriously, we cannot pursue an investigation that is fueled solely by leaks. Republicans must expand their focus and direct their attention to the real issue at hand.

"As this process unfolds and more questions are answered, it is President Trump's responsibility to come clean with the information he has and acknowledge additional facts as they emerge."