WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Department of State’s reported failure to use $120 million designated to combat Russian propaganda:

“Weeks after Secretary Tillerson lamented that it’s ‘very difficult’ to stop Russia’s meddling in our elections, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that this Administration isn’t even interested in trying. Last summer, I pressed the State Department to use the resources Congress provided to push back on Russian propaganda, yet the Department hasn’t spent a single dollar. I’m tired of excuses and I’m tired of waiting. When Secretary Tillerson appears before our Committee later this month, I expect to hear why this Administration has again ignored Congress and what his Department intends to do to deal with this attack on our democracy.”

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