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Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly sent a letter to President Obama commending his recent directive to U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into cyber attacks related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This follows a November 17 letter he led with 15 other members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee requesting hearings regarding deliberate attempts by foreign countries to interfere in U.S. elections.

"I welcome the broadening interest in this matter and hope Congress can work in a bipartisan fashion to examine this threat," said Connolly. "Regardless of the outcome of this investigation, Russia’s actions during the 2016 election have exposed a clear and present threat to one of our most fundamental democratic institutions – elections free of foreign interference."

In his letter, Connolly wrote, "Following the USIC's assertion that "the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of emails from U.S. persons and Institutions, including from U.S. political organizations" on October 7, 2016, the American people have been demanding a response. These actions by Russia constitute an assault on our democracy. We cannot allow Russia to undermine people's faith in our democratic institutions."

"As we look into the specific circumstances of the 2016 election, Congress should develop a deterrence to attacks on the U.S. political system. There must be a cost to undermining American democracy," Connolly added.

"President-elect Donald Trump continues to deny any evidence of Russian interference and insults the professionalism of our intelligence community by accusing them of acting with political motivation. This is disturbing. President-elect Trump’s education on protecting our country should begin now. I encourage him to participate in his intelligence briefings and remain focused on the threats facing our nation."

The full letter can be found here.