WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding comments by Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and other officials that Russia will likely interfere in the 2018 American elections:

“President Trump’s most senior advisors appear unanimous in their assessment that Russia is set to meddle in our elections again, reiterated today by DNI Coats. Yet the Administration has done nothing to protect our democracy. At this point, I’m growing concerned that the Administration actually welcomes this foreign interference. Russia worked to benefit President Trump before, and it’s a safe guess that Putin continues to support his political objectives. That means Republican leaders in Congress face a choice: act where the Administration hasn’t to stop this attack on American democracy, or accept Russian help in the upcoming election.”

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