02.16.18

Cantwell Statement on Indictments of Russian Nationals For Meddling in the 2016 U.S. Elections

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding special counsel Mueller’s indictments of Russian nationals and organizations for meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections:

“We need to be doing everything we can to ensure the integrity of the ballot box and maintain the American people’s faith in our electoral results. Just this week Director of National Intelligence said Russia continues to meddle. So these indictments are a step in the right direction, but we must be doing much, much more. Special Counsel Mueller is providing an invaluable service to this nation, but ultimately we need the Administration to stop excusing Russian subterfuge and use all the tools of the federal government to block these ongoing cyberattacks on our Democracy."

Senator Cantwell has long advocated investing in improving American cybersecurity capabilities. She has repeatedly called for urgent action to defend the American energy grid and critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks, and has pushed back on the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to cybersecurity programs. In March of 2017, Cantwell introduced legislation to provide more cybersecurity resources to small businesses, which have increasingly become a target for cyber attacks. And since the 2016 election, Cantwell has advocated for an independent investigation into Russian attempts to interfere with the election.

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