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Velazquez Comments on Comey Testimony

March 20, 2017

Velázquez Comments on Comey Testimony

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) made the following statement regarding FBI Director Comey's testimony before the House Intelligence Committee:

"Director Comey today made it clear how many troubling, unanswered questions remain about Russia's interference in the 2016 election. We now know that the FBI is specifically looking into whether the Trump campaign or other Trump associates were communicating or collaborating with Russian officials. These are profoundly disturbing charges that go to the heart of our democracy.

"Today's hearing also made clear that Trump's claim that he was wiretapped or under other surveillance is a falsehood and cynical attempt to distract from the real concerns at hand.

"As I have said previously, we need a Special Counsel to fully and thoroughly investigate these issues. I again call on the Department of Justice to appoint a Special Counsel to follow the facts wherever they lead."

In December, Velázquez was the first Member of Congress to call for a Special Counsel to look into Russian hacking of the election. She reiterated her call for a Special Counsel after General Flynn resigned and when it was revealed that the Attorney General may have perjured himself during his confirmation hearings. In addition to calling for a Special Counsel, the Congresswoman has cosponsored legislation that would create a bipartisan panel to investigate.