Reed Statement on Need for Special Prosecutor

Ranking Member of Armed Services Committee says: «if Republican insiders further
impede this investigation, they will be compromising America’s ability to defend
itself from future attacks.»

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed
Services Committee, issued the following statement:

«Nothing Chairman Nunes said vindicates President Trump’s false claims. But it does
reinforce the need for a special prosecutor.

«Americans don’t want unfounded allegations, they want the truth. They shouldn’t be
kept in the dark. They deserve to have the facts so they can make an informed
judgement and reach their own conclusions.

«This is a serious matter that demands vigorous, impartial oversight. But Congress
is not fulfilling its constitutional obligation to serve as an independent check on
the President.

«Instead, you have the leader of the House Intelligence Committee, a former member
of the Trump transition team, complicating his own investigation.

«We need a special prosecutor to unwind the web of connections, provide the American
people with a clear, fact-based accounting, and serve justice.

«We can’t lose sight of the fact that it was our democracy — and not just one
candidate or party — that was attacked by a hostile foreign power. And if
Republican insiders further impede this investigation, they will be compromising
America’s ability to defend itself from future attacks.

«Republicans seem incapable of standing up to President Trump and President Trump
seems unwilling to stand up to Russia. But if the American people take a stand and
demand that their representatives support a special prosecutor, I am confident the
truth will prevail.»