Local Reps Respond To Comey Testimony

Local members of Congress responded to former FBI Director James Comey's testimony to the Senate Intelligence committee Thursday. Comey suggested he was fired by President Trump as a result of a federal probe into Russian meddling in last year's election and said the White House has lied about his termination. Trump's personal lawyer disputed Comey's claims.

Find complete statements below from both Illinois' Senators and Congresspeople representing North Shore districts:

9th District Representative Jan Schakowsky

"Director Comey’s testimony today painted a dark picture of a manipulative President with contempt for justice and a lot to hide. In any other year, under any other President, what we saw and heard in this committee hearing today would have seemed too explosive for even the most far-fetched works of fiction. We heard a former Director of the FBI tell the Senate Intelligence Committee that the President of the United States demanded his loyalty, told him to put an end to his investigation into treacherous and anti-democratic corruption, fired him for refusing, and then lied about it to the American people!

“The writers of House of Cards are wishing they thought of this storyline first.

“Unfortunately, this is no TV show. We must get to the bottom of this troubling matter and follow the facts wherever they lead us. While I was pleased to see Robert Mueller appointed as Special Counsel, we still need an outside independent commission to investigate the matter. The questions are too large and the stakes are too high for us to pass up any opportunity to find the facts.”

10th District Representative Brad Schneider

“Director Comey’s testimony laid out a disturbing portrait of President Trump’s repeated efforts to interfere in the FBI investigation into Russia’s meddling in our election and possible connections with his campaign.

“The President’s behavior is beneath the office he occupies and shows deep disrespect for the independence of the FBI and our system of government.

“The integrity of our democracy is at stake, and the American people deserve all the facts. Today underscores the need for a fully-independent investigation outside the control of the Administration into Russia’s interference to complement the work of the special counsel.”

“The question for the American people is: Who do you trust? Director Comey kept extensive records of what the President asked of him, and agreed to testify publicly under oath. That speaks volumes. No person — not even the President — should try to influence or stop a criminal investigation. Special Counsel Mueller is investigating any criminal activity, and he is the right person for this historic assignment.”

Senior Illinois U.S. Senator Richard Durbin

“The question for the American people is: Who do you trust? Director Comey kept extensive records of what the President asked of him, and agreed to testify publicly under oath. That speaks volumes. No person — not even the President — should try to influence or stop a criminal investigation. Special Counsel Mueller is investigating any criminal activity, and he is the right person for this historic assignment.”

Junior Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth

“Mr. Comey’s testimony about the President’s behavior should concern any American who respects the basic rule of law and our democratic institutions. Let’s be clear: the former FBI Director has now testified under oath that he believes the President lied and may be under investigation for obstructing an active investigation into Russia’s interference in our democracy. These accusations are not normal and they transcend petty partisanship. Special Counsel Mueller must now swiftly complete a transparent, impartial and independent investigation to ensure the American people learn the truth.”

Top photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images