03.02.17

Cantwell Statement on AG Sessions’ Undisclosed Meetings with Russian Officials

Cantwell: “There are still too many questions left unanswered”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had failed to disclose two meetings he had taken with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Since news of the meetings broke, Sessions, in the face of public pressure, announced he would recuse himself from any investigation into the presidential campaigns, including contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials and operatives.

“After his contact with Russian officials during the Trump campaign, it’s only appropriate that Attorney General Sessions recuse himself from these investigations; however, I am troubled by the timing of his decision. Why did it take allegations of wrong-doing for him to come to this decision rather than disclosing these meetings during his confirmation hearings?  

There are still too many questions left unanswered regarding the extent of Russian interference in the campaign. It’s time to appoint an independent special prosecutor to conduct the investigation. It is not acceptable to think someone under the direct supervision of the Attorney General could do this investigation. The American people deserve answers about the contacts between those involved with the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence officers and government officials. We must get to the bottom of this issue to ensure the integrity of our elections and our democracy.”

###