WATCH: Richard Blumenthal Demands Action On Michael Flynn’s Russia Cash
Image by Getty Images
Richard Blumenthal demanded punishment for former national security adviser Michael Flynn after revelations that he received payments from the Russian government without pre-approving or disclosing that compensation, as required by federal law.
Blumenthal: “powerful, mounting, incontrovertible evidence that there has been a violation of criminal law” by Flynn; “must be … prosecuted” pic.twitter.com/cK25d7Efgm
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 27, 2017
Citing “powerful, mounting, incontrovertible evidence that there has been a violation of criminal law,” the Connecticut Senate Democrat demanded the Justice Department appoint a special prosecutor to look into the Flynn case and bring charges.
Right now, the inspector general of the Defense Department is probing Flynn’s behavior. After leaving his post as an intelligence official three years ago, Flynn accepted $45,000 to give a speech at an event organized by Russia Today, the media arm of the Russian government. Documents from the Pentagon show that he knew there was a pre-approval and disclosure requirement.
Blumenthal and other Democrats have demanded the special prosecutor because they believe the White House is attempting a “cover-up” on Flynn’s behalf, refusing to release to Congress documents seen as relevant to the Flynn inquiry. Democrats on the House Government Reform and Oversight committee want to subpoena the materials, but so far the majority Republicans have stymied that effort.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
