Congress must investigate the claims made in an unverified 35-page report connecting President-elect Trump’s campaign to Russian intelligence operatives, a Texas congressman said Wednesday.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said on CNN the report, despite its shady nature, needs to spark a closer look on Capitol Hill.
“Of course it deserves investigation,” he said. “I think the FBI, the intelligence community and the Congress will be looking into these allegations.
“But, let’s be sort of clear-eyed about what’s in front of us: This has not been verified. It’s based on one source.”
A former British intelligence agent considered to be trustworthy by the American intelligence community wrote the report that was released Tuesday night by Buzzfeed. CNN reported the dossier was included in intelligence briefings given to Trump on Russia’s involvement in the election.
But, Buzzfeed stated the report is unverified and they were only releasing it because it had been circulating among top government officials. The American people deserved to read it, the outlet stated.
McCaul said there needs to be a more detailed and structured investigation by American entities before any action is taken.
“I warned both the Obama administration and the incoming administration that this was a nation-state attack on our democracy,” McCaul said.
“It needs to be taken seriously. And the consequences need to be serious as well.”
He added, “It does warrant future investigation by the FBI, the intelligence community and the Congress itself.”
