WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) issued the following statement after FBI Director Comey confirmed that the FBI is investigating Russian election interference and possible contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian hackers and has been investigating those ties since July 2016:

“What Director Comey told Congress today further underscores the need for an independent Congressional investigation into Russian influence and the appointment of a special prosecutor at the Department of Justice.

“We know that Russia interfered in our Presidential election. We know that Attorney General Jeff Sessions, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and others have damaged their own credibility by deceiving the public about their contacts with Russia. And now we know that the FBI has enough cause for an investigation into communication between Trump’s associates and Russian hackers.

“The FBI and the House Intelligence Committee are doing important work. Once they conclude, Congress must put country over party and launch an independent commission. That is the only way we can get all of the answers, preserve confidence in our democratic institutions, and ensure this never happens again.”