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.”