U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after President Trump’s decision to allow the release of House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes’ reckless, partisan memo attempting to discredit the Special Prosecutor’s investigation and America’s law enforcement agencies:

“Trump and Republicans in Congress are undermining American law enforcement, the Department of Justice and intelligence professionals in an attempt to discredit the Special Prosecutor’s investigation into Russian interference with our election, financial payoffs and obstruction of justice.  The refusal to allow the release of a corresponding comprehensive response memo by Intelligence Committee Democrats is an intentional attempt to suppress the full truth.  I doubt the American people will be fooled by these deceptions.

“So far, Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has been charged and pleaded guilty to giving false statements to the FBI.  Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort has been charged with a host of conspiracy charges related to his foreign lobbying.  Trump foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to giving false statements to the FBI.  Trump campaign aide Richard Gates was indicted in October in connection with foreign lobbying work and pleaded not guilty.  His charges are the same as Manafort's, ranging from conspiracy against the U.S. to conspiracy to launder money.

“The DOJ emphasized to Chairman Nunes (who was supposedly recused from the investigation) that the decision to release classified information without DOJ and FBI vetting was ‘extraordinarily reckless.’  The selective release and politicization of classified information sets a terrible precedent and will do long-term damage to the Intelligence Community and our law enforcement agencies.  If potential intelligence sources know that their identities might be compromised, those sources will simply dry up at great cost to our individual safety and national security.  The Republican document mischaracterizes highly sensitive classified information.  It fails to provide vital context and information contained in DOJ’s FISA application and renewals, and ignores why and how the FBI initiated, and the Special Prosecutor has continued, its counterintelligence investigation into Russia’s election interference and links to the Trump campaign.  The sole purpose of the Republican document is to confuse the American people and undermine confidence in the Special Prosecutor’s investigation.  This is one of the more shameful episodes in the history of the U.S. Presidency and some in Congress who are trying to protect their personal interest at the expense of the national interest.”

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