Velazquez on Nunes, Russia and Special Counsel

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the House floor regarding the pressing need for an independent Special Counsel to investigate Russia's intervention in the election:

"Mr. Speaker, Russia's efforts to influence our election constitute a direct assault on our democracy. These alarming events must be thoroughly investigated. In particular, we must determine if any Americans collaborated in these attacks – and are legally culpable.

"Sadly, the House Intelligence Committee Chairman is either unwilling or incapable of conducting a fair investigation. How can Mr. Nunes run this investigation if he is briefing the President BEFORE talking with members of his Committee? How can he secretly be in meetings with so-called ‘sources' at the White House?

"Mr. Speaker, the American people need to know their democracy is intact – and that requires a full, fair, impartial investigation! Since December I've repeatedly called for the Department of Justice to appoint a Special Counsel. I've also cosponsored legislation to create a bipartisan Commission to investigate. The bottom line is this – Chairman Nunes has lost all credibility. He must recuse himself.

"We need a real investigation! Appoint a Special Counsel - now!"

Video clip can be downloaded here.

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