Congressional investigations of Russian cyberattacks during the presidential election must not “cast doubt on the clear and decisive” nature of President-elect Trump’s victory, according to House Speaker Paul Ryan.
“As we work to protect our democracy from foreign influence, we should not cast doubt on the clear and decisive outcome of this election,” the Wisconsin Republican said Monday.
Ryan’s statement elaborates on an initial statement from a spokeswoman, who said Sunday that the speaker “rejects any politicization of intelligence matters.” Ryan reiterated that worry, which is consistent with Trump’s opposition to any investigation of Russia’s actions, but also allowed that House investigators will investigate the hacks.
“We must condemn and push back forcefully against any state-sponsored cyberattacks on our democratic process,” he said. “Throughout this Congress, Chairman Nunes and the Intelligence Committee have been working diligently on the cyberthreats posed by foreign governments and terrorist organizations to the security and institutions of the United States. This important work will continue and has my support.”
His statement followed a CIA briefing in which intelligence officials told lawmakers that they believe Russia had intervened in the election on Trump’s behalf. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced that multiple Senate committees will investigate the issue on a bipartisan basis. Ryan allowed that House lawmakers will do so as well, but echoed the Trump team’s concern that the review could be used to undermine the incoming administration.
“As I’ve said before, any foreign intervention in our elections is entirely unacceptable,” he said. “And any intervention by Russia is especially problematic because, under President Putin, Russia has been an aggressor that consistently undermines American interests. At the same time, exploiting the work of our intelligence community for partisan purposes does a grave disservice to those professionals and potentially jeopardizes our national security.”
McConnell in his year-end press conference was more confrontational about the matter. He said the Russians are “not our friends,” and promised to be involved personally in the investigation.
“Let me remind all of you that the Senate Intelligence Committee, on which I and the chairman of the Armed Services Committee sit as ex officio members, is more than capable of conducting a complete review of this matter,” McConnell said. “And [incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer] will soon join us on that committee and he can review this matter through the regular order.”
Trump’s team criticized the decision. “What this is is an attempt to delegitimize President-elect Trump’s win,” spokesman Jason Miller said, according to Time’s Zeke Miller.
