WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding President Trump’s comment that “nobody really knows” which countries were involved in the interference in last year’s election:

“President Trump has had opportunity after opportunity to take a tough stand on Russia's interference in our election, but at each turn he repeats the false idea that ‘nobody really knows’ who tried to undermine American democracy. For someone who boasts about how hard he hits back, when it comes to Russia the President seems more like a punching bag.

“The President's insistence on denying the truth about Vladimir Putin's aggression leaves me worried about their upcoming meeting. The Administration has already signaled a willingness to reconsider our sanctions policy, and deliberate delays have left the Senate's new sanctions bill in limbo. The White House has inexplicably said the President has no agenda for this meeting, but regardless of what comes from it, Congress must be ready to act upon our return to do what the Administration won't and push back against Russia's hostility.”

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