Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Intelligence Committee held a public hearing with FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Michael Rogers investigating Russian measures directed against the 2016 presidential election, American persons with ties to any attacks, and related national security issues. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) questioned Directors Comey and Rogers on former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s ties to Russian entities and his failure to disclose meetings with Russian officials in the lead-up to the President’s inauguration.
“Russian attacks on our democratic institutions are not just a threat to the integrity of our elections, they cut to the core of our national security,” said Rep. Sewell. “In order to prevent these attacks from ever happening again, we need a full, bipartisan investigation into how Russia attacked our country, who was involved, and how our government responded. In addition to shedding light on Russian influence in our democracy, today’s hearing raised more questions about the nature of Russian attacks and who was involved. As a member of the House Committee on Intelligence, I am committed to getting answers and following the facts in this case wherever they may lead. When our national security is put at risk, there is no room for politics, and I am thankful for the support of members on both sides of the aisle in making today’s hearings happen.”
At today’s hearings Director Comey confirmed that the FBI is conducting an active investigation into Russia’s interference in U.S. elections and any ties to then-candidate Trump’s campaign.
Rep. Sewell has cosponsored the Protecting Our Democracy Act. This legislation would create a 12-member, bipartisan, independent commission empowered to interview witnesses, obtain documents, issue subpoenas, and receive public testimony to examine attempts by the Russian government and others to use electronic means to influence, interfere with, or sow distrust in the 2016 U.S. elections.
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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.