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Michigan's congressional Democrats respond to CIA's warning of Russian hacking

U.S. Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (D) is joining calls for further investigations into the extent of Russian hacking during the presidential election.
U.S. Senator from Michigan Gary Peters (D) is joining calls for further investigations into the extent of Russian hacking during the presidential election.

Some members of Michigan's Democratic congressional delegation are calling for further investigations into suspected Russian hacking during the presidential election.

It's been widely reported the CIA believes Russian hackers attempted to influence the election in ways that helped President-elect Donald Trump win the office.

"Every stone has to be turned over to find out what the Russians did, what impact it had," said U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak. "Because we don't want Russia determining American policy, political campaigns, or anything else."

Levin said he's somewhat optimistic that some republicans – like Sen. John McCain – are taking the CIA's judgment seriously.

Representative Dan Kildee, D-Flint, said he believes all congressional members should be briefed on the matter of Russian interference. Kildee also said he was "disturbed" by president-elect Donald Trump's comments dismissing the issue. 

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Monday afternoon that a Senate intelligence panel will investigate the extent of Russian hacking.

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters echoed Levin's calls for further investigation, saying it's fundamental to American democracy to assure elections for public office are secure from foreign influence.

Peters said he was "outraged" upon learning the CIA's suspects Russian hackers attempted to influence the outcome of the election. 

Peters also wants more politicians to join calls for an in-depth investigation, or weigh in on the issue.

"This is one of the biggest issues that we could face from a national security perspective," Peters said. "And anybody that remains silent on the issue, I think they're doing a great disservice to their country."

No Republican members of Michigan's congressional delegation returned multiple interview requests.

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