Rep. Pascrell Statement on FBI Director’s Testimony
Director Comey’s testimony focused on Trump-Russia investigation and false wiretapping claims

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after FBI Director James Comey testified about the existence of an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the election and collaboration with the Trump campaign, as well as confirmation that there is ‘no evidence’ of President Trump’s claim to have been wiretapped by President Obama:

“Director Comey has confirmed there is an ongoing investigation into connections between Team Trump and the Kremlin. While the levers of justice move slow and methodically, the American people deserve an answer. They should know from this hearing that this investigation will be the most closely-watched in the history of the United States,” Rep. Pascrell said. “I am disappointed that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle seem to care more about how the press learned about the investigation than the specific investigation itself. We’re talking about a hostile foreign government interfering in our elections to tip the scales in favor of their preferred candidate. These members have chosen to put politics before country. As a matter of good faith in times of unprecedented Constitutional crisis, I’m calling again on President Trump or Congressional Republicans to show the American people where the President’s interests lie. I want a Congressional review of his tax returns. I want to assure my constituents that this White House is not on loan to the Russian government.”

“When you consider the mountain of official statements, testimony from Director Comey and Director Rogers, and total lack of evidence, the wiretapping claim made by President Trump is downright slanderous,” Rep. Pascrell said. “President Trump’s statement has put our relationships with longtime allies at risk simply to cover up a tweet.”

“With the issue of Ukraine being raised in the hearing today, I also recommit my call for a codification of sanctions against Russia for their illegal invasion of Crimea,” Rep. Pascrell said. “Since the White House has shown they will not act, it’s time for Congress to stop ceding authority to the executive branch by taking action.”