Swalwell Statement on White House Sanctions Against Russian Officials in Response to Electoral Interference

Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ranking Member of the CIA Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement Thursday after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials due to their interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election:

"I support President Obama's actions to impose sanctions on Russian officials whom our intelligence agencies said were involved in interfering with our presidential election. Any foreign power that attempts to meddle in our elections – no matter to whose benefit – must suffer the consequences. We must never allow our democracy to be manipulated for others' ends.

"Today's firm action underscores the need for an independent, bipartisan commission to fully investigate all that has happened, and to inform the public of the full depth and breadth of Russian involvement. I and Congressman Elijah Cummings introduced H.R. 6447, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, earlier this month to create just such a commission of non-political experts, which also would develop recommendations for ensuring something like this never happens again.

"With a Russia-friendly President-elect taking office on Jan. 20, it's imperative that we make sure our citizens are well-informed and our defenses are strong. Rep. Cummings and I will re-introduce our bill as soon as the 115th Congress convenes next month, and Americans expect swift action. This is not a partisan issue – this is an American issue."