Young: Foreign interference in U.S. election requires Senate briefing by intelligence director

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) last week called on the nation’s intelligence director to hold a classified briefing with all members of the U.S. Senate regarding efforts by Russia and Iran to interfere in America’s upcoming presidential election. 

National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe on Oct. 21 held a press conference to announce that both Russia and Iran have successfully accessed U.S. voter databases and used the data to deliver false information to American voters. 

“I know that you agree that actions of this nature demand a response from our government and for those found responsible to be held accountable,” Sen. Young wrote in an Oct. 21 letter sent to Ratcliffe. “With our election just 12 days away, I know you agree that we must be provided with the latest intelligence reporting and the actions being taken to safeguard our democratic processes.”

Sen. Young, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also pointed out that seemingly insurmountable political partisanship and divisiveness require that Americans “have the confidence in the outcome of this election and that is only possible when we are given a full picture of the current environment.”

Ratcliffe’s office is bound by law to “fully and currently inform” Congress, according to Sen. Young’s letter, which noted that the director’s office on Aug. 7 stated that the intelligence community also recognizes there will continue to be demand for more information as the election approaches.

“These are serious matters and therefore a classified briefing with all members of the United States Senate without delay is appropriate,” the senator wrote. “I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure you have all of the resources necessary to combat this threat and protect our election.”