September 28, 2018

Castro Statement on House Intelligence Committee’s Decision to Publicly Release Transcripts

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement:

“From the beginning, I supported releasing all unclassified transcripts of the House Intelligence Committee’s interviews with key witnesses in our investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 elections and efforts to support Donald Trump. Despite reneging on their commitment to do so when we began our investigation in March 2017, the Majority decided to vote to release only some transcripts ahead of midterm elections in yet another move that puts party politics over pursuit of justice for the American people.

“The Majority conveniently voted against making the Rep. Rohbacher, Director Brennan, Director Comey and Admiral Rogers transcripts public as well as all unredacted transcripts to Mueller and his investigation. It is obvious this decision is a result of pressure from the Oval Office to protect witnesses that lied on behalf of the President, and an effort to hold any evidence that might help Special Counsel Mueller and his investigation.

“As we move ahead towards November, I urge our Republican counterparts to release the remaining transcripts and Congress to step up our protections of Mueller and his investigation and work to bring justice to the American people.”

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