Ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA), called for hearings into interference by Russia and others in the 2016 election and beyond, after Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s press conference last week.
In a Tuesday press release, Rep. Collins sent a letter to Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), requesting that the committee start taking the threats seriously, instead of playing political games led by Nadler.
Congressman Doug Collins wrote to Chairman Nadler, “On May 29, 2019, Special Counsel Robert Mueller made a rare public statement emphasizing the vulnerability of our national elections to foreign interference. The House Judiciary Committee must heed Mr. Mueller’s words and prioritize securing our elections in anticipation of 2020.”
“To that end, we should hold hearings as soon as possible to determine what Congress can do to assure the American people the Special Counsel’s findings will not merely be used as political cudgels but, more importantly, as real guidance for action to help protect our system of democratic elections,” he continued.
Collins pointed out in Mueller’s remarks that he made clear he found the real threat – Russian interference in our elections. In his closing remarks, he stated, “And I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments, that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election. And that allegation deserves the attention of every American.”
The Georgia Congressman also called out Nadler for avoiding the probing threat as he instead, chooses to “play politics related to impeachment.” (Continued Below)
“Mr. Mueller began and ended his remarks by warning of the Russian cyber-threat. In fact, Russian interference in the 2016 election was the raison d’être of the whole Special Counsel appointment. And though the threat was made clear to the Obama administration and was apparently treated as non-serious, I am committed to preventing this threat from growing or continuing,” he continued.
He called upon Nadler to hold a series of hearings in which we can consider various experts’ opinions regarding the threat Russia and other nefarious actors have played and may continue to play, in our elections.
“To the extent possible, I encourage you to set aside the animus towards President Trump, who has been, in short, vindicated by the Special Counsel’s report. He and his campaign did not engage in an improper relationship with Russia. In two or six years, President Trump will leave office; our free elections, however, will continue for as long as America remains committed to the ideas of republicanism and democracy,” Collins wrote. (Continued Below)
“Without reservation, I concur with the Special Counsel that the sanctity of our elections must not ever be taken for granted or exposed to foreign threats. Congress should show the American people we are prioritizing the security of our democratic institutions above partisan posturing. There is real and urgent value to be gleaned from Mr. Mueller’s findings. Let us salvage from the Special Counsel’s report the issue most threatening to the American republic: a campaign of disinformation and cyberattacks committed by a foreign power,” Collins continued.
“Please hold immediate, thorough, and productive hearings regarding Russia’s ability to influence our elections. Let us protect our citizens from this criminal behavior. Mr. Mueller has spoken; I invite you to listen,” he concluded.
However, it is worth noting that Nadler is, in fact, playing “political games” and he is not really concerned about “Russia meddling” as he responded to Collins on Twitter.
“I welcome RM Collins’ willingness to work on what was uncovered in the Mueller Report concerning Russian election crimes and hope he will join us in responding to the related evidence. As the Mueller Report details, the Trump campaign welcomed Russia’s help, the President lied about it after the fact, and tried to obstruct the investigation of this grave threat to our democracy. I hope @RepDougCollins will support our efforts responding to this evidence,” Nadler wrote on Twitter. (Continued Below)
Rep. Collins also tweeted on Tuesday, “After racing to hold the AG in contempt, Chairman Nadler now wants to join DOJ and the WH at the negotiating table because he knows he’s going to lose in court. The chairman’s cave shows the May 8 vote was unjustified & the scheduled House contempt vote is egregious.”
After racing to hold the AG in contempt, Chairman Nadler now wants to join DOJ and the WH at the negotiating table because he knows he’s going to lose in court. The chairman’s cave shows the May 8 vote was unjustified & the scheduled House contempt vote is egregious.
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) June 4, 2019
Rep. Nadler’s official response:
As the Mueller Report details, the Trump campaign welcomed Russia's help, the President lied about it after the fact, and tried to obstruct the investigation of this grave threat to our democracy. I hope @RepDougCollins will support our efforts responding to this evidence. 2/2
— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 4, 2019
(Continued Below)
Further, Collins wants to know, “A key question that still demands an answer: How did we get here?”
A key question that still demands an answer: How did we get here? #MuellerReport pic.twitter.com/WrKtOUy6Nf
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) June 3, 2019
Rep. Collins’ official press release:
I call upon the chairman to hold hearings about the threat Russia and other nefarious actors have played, and may continue to play, in our elections.https://t.co/sKxL4pj8AE
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) June 4, 2019
(Related: Jim Jordan Unveils The Important Question ‘Most Americans’ Want To Know From Mueller)
