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Foster Statement on Firing of Intelligence Community Inspector General

April 4, 2020

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Trump fired Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson:

"President Trump's shameful attempt to use the distraction of the COVID-19 crisis to dismantle fundamental checks and balances of our government will not go unnoticed.

"Even Republicans who ultimately concluded that Trump's misbehavior did not rise to the level of impeachment and conviction, nonetheless recognized that the serious questions raised by the IG warranted attention by the Congress and the public.

"Trump's firing of the IG who reported his misbehavior to Congress represents a serious challenge to our system of checks and balances, to the important principle of congressional oversight, and to the rule of law.

"I call upon all Republicans and Democrats to strongly condemn this move, and to insist that a functional IG's office remain in place for the duration of Trump's presidency and into the future."

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