WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a public hearing before the House Intelligence Committee, FBI Director James Comey officially confirmed an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether associates of then-candidate Donald Trump were in contact with Moscow.  He also publicly declared that the FBI had “no information” to support President Trump’s unfounded allegation that then-President Barack Obama somehow surveilled him or Trump Tower.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), an ex officio member of the Intelligence Committee, who earlier today travelled to CIA headquarters in Virginia to review raw intelligence relating to the CIA’s investigation of Russia’s involvement in the presidential election, issued the following statement:

“The FBI Director’s testimony raises serious questions about President Trump’s credibility.  It also raises more questions than answers about Russia’s efforts to manipulate our election and undermine the stability of our democratic institutions.

“We know a hostile foreign power wanted to undermine our democracy, hurt Hillary Clinton, and help Donald Trump.  But the American people deserve to know how, why, and whether any American citizens were complicit in aiding and abetting them.

“The President should start by admitting he was wrong and apologize to President Obama about the claims of “wiretapping.”   Next, he should release his tax returns.  Investigators must scrutinize any banking or monetary links between Russian operatives, the Trump Organization, the Trump campaign, and its affiliated outside groups.

“Republicans in Congress need to put the good of our country and the strength of our democracy ahead of partisan interests.  If Republicans impede fair and open investigations into this matter, then Russia will continue its misconduct.  We already know Russia is now replicating it’s playbook against our European allies.

“We need a special prosecutor and an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate this matter.  It must be a fair and independent investigation and actual facts must be brought to light so the American public has an opportunity to make a fact-based judgement.”