Panetta Moves to Force House Vote to Launch Independent Trump-Russia Commission

Press Release

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) today joined his colleagues in signing a discharge petition to force the House to vote on bipartisan legislation establishing an independent, outside commission to investigate the Trump-Russia connection and possible collusion to interfere in the presidential election.

"The American people deserve a full, independent investigation into the administration's ties to Russia," said Congressman Panetta. "I strongly encourage my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, to vote on and for this bipartisan bill."

The discharge petition filed by House Democrats and joined by Congressman Panetta will force the House to vote on H.R. 356, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, after 218 Members of Congress sign the discharge petition. Congressman Panetta is an original cosponsor of the bill. Thus far, Speaker Ryan has refused to schedule a vote on the bipartisan bill, and House Republicans have voted seven times to block its consideration in the House.

In July, the FBI opened an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government. Last week, President Trump admitted on national television that he fired FBI Director James Comey to try to stop his investigation into Trump-Russia ties. On Monday, reports were published alleging that the President compromised highly classified intelligence to Russian diplomats, thereby jeopardizing the security of the American people.

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