Chris Smith Puts Election Security In Jeopardy

During an interview with the APP, Chris Smith reaffirmed his support of the Nunes memo. The memo is a partisan attempt to mislead the public, discredit the FBI and DOJ, and sow doubt about the Mueller investigation.

Smith tried to appear neutral by supporting the release of the Democratic memo, but this misses the point. The investigation into Russian election meddling is something all Americans must take seriously. Mueller’s findings must be accepted and acted upon to defend ourselves in the future. Smith claiming he supported both sides doesn’t exonerate him and contributes to the problem. Having “two sides” is exactly what Nunes, Trump, and Republicans want. If half of the country views the investigation as tainted, we will be paralyzed to the point of inaction, leaving us vulnerable this November and beyond.

Set aside questions of collusion or obstruction for the moment; every intelligence agency has confirmed that Russia acted to sway the election for Trump. There have been indictments. Russian efforts are real and haven’t stopped.
NSA chief Mike Rogers told lawmakers Trump has given him no orders to disrupt Russia’s efforts. The state department has spent zero money towards these same ends. Trump and the GOP have expended great energy to deny any Russian involvement, with only a recent half-hearted acceptance.

As a coequal branch of government, congress must step up, put aside party, and ensure future election integrity. With his continued support for Nunes, Smith has repeatedly failed at this task, putting us all at risk.