Paul Ryan: US has "special responsibility" to protect allies from Russian meddling
Speaker Paul Ryan sat down for an interview with “CBS This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell in the Capitol Wednesday afternoon. They discussed the pressing issues of the day, including the investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election. More from the interview, including Ryan’s views on the failure of his health care legislation and his relationship with President Trump, airs Thursday on “CBS This Morning.”
NORAH O’DONNELL: I was just listening to the senators on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and I know you know the leading Republican, Sen. Burr, who you served with. And he said this is so important what’s going on, they are investigating Russia was involved in a covert operation…
SPEAKER PAUL RYAN: Absolutely.
O’DONNELL: ...to influence our election in 2016.
RYAN: They are doing it to other countries right now.
O’DONNELL: Yes, and overt and covert in Europe, Germany, France.
RYAN: Yes. Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and I sent a letter to the secretaries of state before the election saying, “Heads up, be on the watch out, something is happening. Guard your data.” So we all knew this before the election. We all knew, Russia was trying to meddle with our election. And we already know right now they are trying to do it with other countries.
So the nation, the world super power, the American government needs to do everything we possibly can not only to undercut what they are trying to do but to uncover what they are trying to do and help our allies prevent this from happening. Because with Russia trying to influence elections in Eastern Europe and Europe, around the globe I think we have a special responsibility given our capabilities to make sure we help our allies guard against this meddling by Russia in their elections just like they tried to with our election.
Ryan also discussed the failed Republican health care bill and said he does not want President Trump to work with Democrats on a new plan.
“What I worry about, Norah, is that if we don’t do this, then he’ll just go work with Democrats to try and change Obamacare and that’s not – that’s hardly a conservative thing,” Ryan said.
When O’Donnell pointed out that Mr. Trump said he would be willing to work with Democrats, Ryan responded: “I don’t want that to happen. You know why? I want a patient-centered system. I don’t want government running health care. The government shouldn’t tell you what you must do with your life, with your healthcare. We should give people choices.”