#Senate Democrats warn of ‘foreign interference’ in 2020 election

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FBI Director Christopher Wray
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Senate Democrats on Friday asked FBI Director Christopher Wray to offer “a regular series of update briefings” on an alleged foreign influence campaign targeting the November election.

Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Jack Reed (D-RI) wrote to Wray that they want to ensure “all Senators are aware of the specific threats posed by this or any other concerted foreign interference campaign that is targeting Congress and seeks to influence the presidential election in November.”

The senators write that lawmakers “must understand the risks inherent in accepting information generated by foreign sources, especially those committees currently conducting investigations.” The letter was sent to Politico.

Various foreign countries allegedly have sought to influence US elections, most notably Russia in 2016. Chinese, Iranian and Ukrainian politicians also allegedly intervened in US politics.

Democrats in Congress wrote a separate note to Wray in late July requesting “a defensive counterintelligence briefing” for all members of Congress due to possible foreign interference that may be trying to influence both the presidential election and Congress.

But President Trump’s former intelligence director Richard Grenell wrote on Twitter that the July letter-signers — including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — already were briefed.

“Gang of Eight (and others impacted) were already briefed. Weeks ago. This request is a CYA,” Grenell tweeted.