Feinstein Statement on Russian Interference in 2018 Elections

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the indictment of a Russian national for interference in the 2018 midterm elections:

“The Justice Department’s indictment of Russian national Elena Alekseevna Khusyaynova is yet another example of ongoing Russian efforts to interfere in our electoral process.

“Russia continues to use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to sow division and spread propaganda. In particular, the indictment alleges that Russia sought to spread false information about widespread voter fraud in California. Dangerous lies about voter fraud have also been spread by President Trump and conservative commentators. There is no widespread voter fraud in California, or any other state.

“The Republican-controlled Congress blocked extra funding to improve election security in advance of the midterm elections, as well as the bipartisan Secure Elections Act to improve information sharing between the federal government and states.

“We also should have passed legislation months ago to give the Justice Department additional resources to more quickly identify and neutralize foreign agents working in the United States to undermine our elections. Republicans should put our democracy ahead of short-term political interests.”

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