WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“I’m glad that the State Department is reducing the size of the Russian diplomatic presence in the United States. Yet, even when we take serious action to respond to Russia’s aggressive posture around the world, the Trump Administration mysteriously still seeks ‘increased cooperation’ with Vladimir Putin.

“After invasions of Ukraine, attacks on the United States and Western democratic elections, and support for the brutal Assad regime, I’m left asking why is Donald Trump so enamored with the Putin regime.

“In the end, I’m reassured to know that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia and, sooner or later, we’ll know what really happened in last year’s election.”

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