Rep. Takano Joins Bipartisan Calls for Chairman Nunes’s Recusal from Russia Investigation, Formation of Independent Commission
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement calling for Chairman Devin Nunes to recuse himself from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. Rep. Takano is also calling for the formation of an independent commission to launch a parallel investigation.
“I strongly believe that a transparent, bipartisan investigation conducted by the House Intelligence Committee is a critical tool for understanding the role of Russia and Vladimir Putin in the 2016 presidential election. Unfortunately, due to the bizarre covert actions of Chairman Nunes over the last week, it is clear that such an investigation is not possible under his leadership. Mr. Nunes’ recusal is necessary to restore integrity to the investigation and ensure the public’s faith in its findings.
“The intelligence community’s assessment that Russia interfered in our elections – paired with mounting evidence of connections between the Trump administration and Putin’s government – demands a thorough and nonpartisan investigation. At this point, an independent commission outside the jurisdiction of the White House and Congress is the only acceptable way forward.
“I join my colleagues in calling on House Republicans to support the formation of an independent commission that can follow the facts wherever they lead. This is what the American people want and this is what the American people deserve.”
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