Leading Senate Republicans are preparing to launch a coordinated and wide-ranging probe into Russia’s alleged meddling in the U.S. elections and its potential cyberthreats to the military, digging deep into what they view as corrosive interference in the nation’s institutions.
Such an aggressive approach puts them on a direct collision course with President-elect Donald Trump, who plays down the possibility that Russia had any role in the November elections.
The fracture could become more prominent after Trump is inaugurated and begins setting foreign policy. He already has indicated the country should “get along” with Russia since the two nations have many common goals.
But some of Trump’s would-be Republican allies on Capitol Hill disagree. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Armed Services Committee, is readying a probe of possible Russian cyber- incursions into U.S. weapons systems. McCain said he has been discussing the issue with Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., with whom he will be “working closely” to investigate Russia’s suspected interference.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., also said he intends to hold hearings next year into alleged Russian hacking. Corker is on Trump’s short list for secretary of state.
Trump transition officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The loudest Republican calls for a Russia probe are coming from McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
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