WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Judiciary, and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Homeland Security, and Investigations, released the following statement about the indictments returned today against Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort and former campaign official Rick Gates:

“Five months after Special Counsel Robert Mueller launched his investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, including questions of collusion and obstruction of justice, two former high-ranking Trump campaign officials have now been indicted. According to published reports, Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort and his former deputy Rick Gates, face multiple charges of conspiracy against the United States and a series of financial crimes.

“In addition, published reports also indicate that George Papadopolous, a foreign policy consultant to the Trump campaign, has pled guilty to a federal charge of lying to the FBI, when he was questioned about his efforts to collude with the Russians. As facts seem to be unfolding, this may be the most serious suggestion of alleged Russian collusion with the Trump campaign. The dam now seems to be broken and the Congressional investigations should be expanded and intensified. The integrity of this constitutional government is at stake.

“The scope and breath of these charges point to the seriousness of the Mueller investigation, which continues to press ahead with even-handed resolve. The alleged crimes raise disturbing questions and the American people deserve to know the truth.

“That is why I urge Congress to give full consideration to H. Res. 474, my resolution condemning any action by the President to remove Special Counsel Mueller or to in any way impede his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. H. Res. 474 also serves notice to the President that the granting of pardons to any person for offenses against the United States arising out of the Russia investigation will result in a bipartisan congressional backlash.

“It is imperative that Special Counsel Mueller be permitted to continue his work without political interference or pressure of any kind. Failing to ensure such protections would make the Congress derelict in its responsibilities. The fate of our democracy depends on it.”