Jan 05 2017

Graham On U.S. Response To Russia Hack: Time To Throw Rocks, Not Pebbles

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing questioned Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Director of the National Security Agency Admiral Michael Rogers regarding the United States’ response to the cyber threat posed by Russia.

  • GRAHAM: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time now not to throw pebbles but to throw rocks. I wish we were not here. If it were up to me, we’d all live in peace. But Putin’s up to no good and he better be stopped. And Mr. President-Elect, when you listen to [the intelligence community], you can be skeptical, but understand they are the best among us and they are trying to protect us.” https://youtu.be/uB0S3OFuplY?t=5m19s
  • GRAHAM: “When it comes to espionage, we better be careful about throwing rocks. When it comes to interfering in our election, we better be ready to throw rocks. Do you agree with that?

CLAPPER: “That’s a good metaphor.”

GRAHAM: “I think what Obama did was throw a pebble. I’m ready to throw a rock. https://youtu.be/uB0S3OFuplY?t=1m8s

  • GRAHAM: “Here’s what I hope [President-Elect Trump] realizes. That if he has to take action against North Korea – which he may have to do – I intend to support him. But he needs to explain to the American people why. And one of the explanations he’ll give is based on what I was told by the people who are in the fight [against cyber warfare]. And let me tell you this. You don’t wear uniforms, but you’re in the fight. And we’re in the fight for our lives.” https://youtu.be/uB0S3OFuplY?t=4m45s
  • GRAHAM: “As we go forward and try to deter this behavior [from Russia], we’re going to need [the intelligence community’s] support now and in the future. So I want to let the President-Elect know that it’s okay to challenge the intel. You’re absolutely right to want to do so. But what I don’t want you to do is undermine those who are serving our nation in this arena, until you’re absolutely sure they need to be undermined. And I think [the intelligence community needs] to be uplifted, not undermined.” https://youtu.be/uB0S3OFuplY?t=3m33s