Dear Colleague: Urging Members to Sign Discharge Petition on Protecting Our Democracy Act

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May 17, 2017

Dear Democratic Colleague,

This morning, Speaker Ryan said “there are a lot of unanswered questions” and “now is the time to gather all the pertinent information.”  I agree.  To that end, we have repeatedly called on Republicans in Congress to support legislation creating an independent outside commission and an independent counsel.

We are very proud of the work of our Ranking Members, Elijah Cummings and Adam Schiff, and would hope Republicans would be more cooperative in the House investigations in these committees.  Earlier this week, I wrote to the Speaker asking him to insist that House Members have same access to the facts as the Senate.  We have not received a response.  Since then, the President’s actions have intensified the necessity for Congress to act and for the American people to have the truth.

Today, House Democrats filed a discharge petition on the Swalwell-Cummings Protecting Our Democracy Act, which will establish the independent, outside commission.  The American people deserve answers and to get to the bottom of the Trump-Russia connection and possible collusion to influence the election.  I urge Members to sign the petition at their earliest opportunity.

Thus far, Republicans have been stonewalling any and every opportunity to get to the truth, and Democrats must keep our focus on insisting upon these independent investigations.  With your help, and the power of public sentiment, we can proceed in a non-partisan manner in order to follow and establish the facts.

Thank you for your leadership.

best regards,