Schneider Statement on Release of Classified Memo

Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) released the below statement:

"By choosing to release the previously classified Republican memo, President Trump is recklessly compromising our national security, politicizing the work of law enforcement professionals, and once again trying to undermine the independence of Robert Mueller's investigation.

"I have read the memo released today, as well as the still classified counterpoints document prepared by Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee. By releasing only the first, which the FBI has confirmed contains 'material omissions of fact,' the President and Republicans are distorting the truth to paint a misleading and damaging picture of the work of our law enforcement agencies. It is a sad development that the release of classified information has been driven by political gamesmanship rather than legitimate national security concerns.

"President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intentionally misleading the American people, knowing the underlying facts are statutorily protected and suppressing those who seek to shed light on their claims.

"We must put our national interests ahead of political party. If they insist on releasing the one memo, I urge my Republican colleagues to allow the release of the Democratic memo to complete the full record. I further call on President Trump and Chairman Nunes to abandon their dangerous efforts to disrupt the independence and integrity of the Mueller investigation."