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June 13, 2019

Chairman Schiff Statement: Trump Comments are “Green Light” to Russia and Other Foreign Powers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, release a statement in response to President Trump’s statement that he would accept assistance from a foreign power:

“President Trump’s statement that he would accept assistance from a foreign power is a green light to Russia and other foreign powers that he welcomes their help in his reelection campaign. It’s a dereliction of his duty as Commander in Chief, but comes  as little surprise from a President who always puts his own self-interest ahead of the country. What remains shocking is how many Republicans remain silent, or worse, have become willing enablers of the President’s unethical and unpatriotic behavior.

“In the Special Counsel’s report, Mueller says that he considered charging Trump campaign officials with a violation of campaign finance laws in connection to the June 9 meeting at Trump Tower, but determined that the legal burden of showing the campaign was seeking something of value was too high a bar to clear. I plan to introduce legislation to make crystal clear that accepting derogatory information from a foreign actor to influence an election satisfies that requirement.

“The Trump campaign sought such help in 2016, and their candidate just put out word they want more in 2020. It’s up to Congress to put a stop to it.”

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