JASON LEWIS 4 18 CANNON HOUSE O FFICEBUILDING

(202) 225--2 271

2ND DISTRICT, M INNESOTA

2805 CLIFF ROAD

COMM ITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SUITE 200
AND INFRAST RUCTURE

COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET

Congressofof
theUnitedStates BURNSVILLE, MN 55337
(651) 846-2120

JASONLEWIS .HOUSE.GOV
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Washington,DC
DC20515-2302

July31 , 2018

Dear -

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Helsinki summit between the United States
and Russia. Understanding your ideas and concerns helps me better represent you and the
Second District of Minnesota. I value your comments and appreciate the opportunity to
respond.

As you know on July 16, 2018 , President Trump met with the president of Russia ,
Vladimir Putin in Helsinki , Finland. Following this meeting , the two participated in a
news conference where President Trump made statements regarding the extent of
Russia ' s attempts to meddle in U.S. elections and Putin ' s denial of Russia's involvement.
In the following days , President Trump clarified some of the comments he made during
the press conference , stating that he does believe U.S. intelligence reports that Russia was
behind attempts to influence our elections.

It is important that we acknowledge Russia is an adversary that seeks to expand their

influence abroad , and compete with and diminish the United States international
standing. Additionally , I strongly oppose the stranglehold that Russia has on the freedom
of s peech,religion , and assembly on its people. They represent the opposite of the
freedoms and values we cherish in the United States.

I do believe it is important that the United States engage in robust dialogue with
adversarial countries . Just as I have supported attempts to increase talks and negotiations
with Iran and North Korea , I believe it is in the best interest of the American people , and
our men and women in uniform , to have a dialogue with Russia. Trying to find common
ground in negotiations is preferable to escalation that could lead to military actions that
not only threaten the safety of the United States and our people , but would also threaten
our regional allies.

Thank you for contacting me . As Congress debates solutions to the challenges facing our
nation , I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. Should you

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have any further questions or comments about this or any legislative issue, please do not
hesitate to contact me in my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2271. Also, please
visit me on social media at: www.facebook.com/repjasonlewis ,
www.youtube.com/repjasonlewis , https://twitter.com/repjasonlewis , and my website at
jasonlewis.house.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter for the latest updates from
Washington, D.C. and around the district.

Sincerely,

Jason Lewis
Member of Congress

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