Young Calls on DNI to Brief Senators Regarding Attempted Election Interference by Russia and Iran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe calling for an immediate classified briefing with all members of the United States Senate regarding yesterday’s announcement that Russia and Iran are attempting to interfere in the upcoming U.S. election.
“I write to express my deep gratitude to you and the members of our intelligence community who are working tirelessly to safeguard our upcoming election. As someone who shares this desire, you will no doubt understand my significant concerns following your press conference on Wednesday, October 21, 2020,” Senator Young wrote. “Indeed, your announcement that both Russia and Iran have been able to successfully access voter databases and have used that data to deliver false information to voters should alarm all Americans. I know that you agree that actions of this nature demand a response from our government and for those found responsible to be held accountable.”
Senator Young added, “These are serious matters and therefore a classified briefing with all members of the United States Senate without delay is appropriate. Upon receipt of this message, kindly affirm that this is your intention. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure you have all of the resources necessary to combat this threat and protect our election.”
View the full letter HERE and below.
The Honorable John Ratcliffe
Director of National Intelligence
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
1500 Tysons McLean Drive
McLean, Virginia 22102
Director Ratcliffe:
I write to express my deep gratitude to you and the members of our intelligence community who are working tirelessly to safeguard our upcoming election. As someone who shares this desire, you will no doubt understand my significant concerns following your press conference on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
Indeed, your announcement that both Russia and Iran have been able to successfully access voter databases and have used that data to deliver false information to voters should alarm all Americans. I know that you agree that actions of this nature demand a response from our government and for those found responsible to be held accountable.
As a former Member of Congress, you undoubtedly agree that the American people’s elected representatives must be afforded the opportunity to better understand the nature of these threats and the risks to voters across our country. With our election just 12 days away, I know you agree that we must be provided with the latest intelligence reporting and the actions being taken to safeguard our democratic processes. In these divided times, Americans must have the confidence in the outcome of this election and that is only possible when we are given a full picture of the current environment.
As you know, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), requires that the Director of National Intelligence “fully and currently inform” Congress. Further, on August 7th, your office stated that “The IC (Intelligence Community) also recognizes there will continue to be demand for more information as the election approaches. The IC has and will continue to provide classified election threat briefings to the presidential campaigns, political committees and all Members of Congress.”
These are serious matters and therefore a classified briefing with all members of the United States Senate without delay is appropriate. Upon receipt of this message, kindly affirm that this is your intention. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure you have all of the resources necessary to combat this threat and protect our election.