Quigley Statement on Tillerson's Upcoming Visit to Russia, Decision to Skip NATO Meeting

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Russia next month and skip first NATO meeting:

"Yesterday, the House Intelligence Committee held our first open hearing in what could be the most significant investigation of a sitting President since Watergate. We heard from FBI Director Comey and NSA Director Rogers, who confirmed their federal investigation into the Trump Administration's ties with Russia. Hours later, Secretary of State Tillerson announced that he will travel to Russia next month, just after skipping his first NATO meeting as Secretary of State.

"Given Vladimir Putin's open disdain for NATO, and President Trump's vocal skepticism about this vital alliance, Secretary Tillerson's decision to miss this meeting with our global partners sends a very disturbing message to the American people and our friends around the world.

"This string of questionable decision-making isn't just bad optics, it is dangerous to the security of our nation and the strength of our partnerships within the NATO alliance. During his confirmation hearings, Secretary Tillerson characterized NATO as inviolable--actions speak louder than words. I challenge him to reconsider his decision and attend this vitally important meeting."

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