GOP Rep. Walter Jones Backs Dem Bill For Independent Russian Probe

The first House Republican has signed the bill to create an independent committee to investigate Russia's involvement in the election, according to reports.

Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., signed onto the "Protecting Our Democracy Act," which calls for an independent probe all House Democrats had co-sponsored but House Republicans had opposed.

"Walter Jones deserves credit for being the first House Republican – but hopefully not the last – to acknowledge that our nation deserves an independent, bipartisan investigation into Russia’s hacking of our democracy in last year’s election," Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., said in a statement, per The Charlotte Observer.

President Donald Trump called reports of Russian ties to his administration "a ruse" Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said the intelligence committee is already looking into Russia's involvement in the election, so "I don't think we need to go through setting up a special committee."

Jones' move is not out of character for the Republican who had served as a Democrat in the North Carolina House before switching parties, according to The Hill.

"Congressman Jones is brave enough to do the right thing," Rep. Swalwell added, per The Hill.

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