There are many countries that want to interfere in the United States' elections, and if there is evidence seen, that "needs to be pursued," no matter which foreign country's government is involved, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said Thursday.
"I want to look at every instance where Russia has interfered in our election," the North Carolina Republican commented during a Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "Whether it be Ukraine or any other nation, we need to make sure that the public trust is maintained by going after them, regardless of who the sources and regardless of what country is trying to do it."
Meanwhile, Tillis said there are not enough facts out yet concerning claims that members of Hillary Clinton's staff had attempted to gain information through Ukraine, but he is glad that Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., brought it up. Still, he insisted that it's important not to let the talk of foreign meddling interfere with congress' work for the country.
"A part of what these nations want to do, part of what Russia wants to do is distract us from all of the other things in Washington," said Tillis. "Let's get to the agencies, and the DOJ, and let's make sure that we are still focusing on passing a health care bill, tax reform, and all of these other things that we promised to deliver on."
Tillis also commented on Wednesday's confirmation for Christopher Wray, the nominee to replace James Comey as director of the FBI, and said he believes Wray will increase the agency's stature, if he is confirmed.
"I have no doubts that he will be independent," Tillis said. "I am looking forward to the briefings where we will see him even in a more direct and transparent form, but I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to go where the facts lead him; he is going to keep a healthy separation between the agency and all of the [officials] on Capitol Hill and down to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue."
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Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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