Val Demings named to House Intelligence Committee

Orlando’s Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demingshas landed a seat on the critical House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, her office announced Wednesday.

The committee provides oversight to the American intelligence community, and annually produces the U.S. intelligence authorization bill that prescribes limits and allowances to intelligence-gathering activities.  The committee is currently responsible for investigating Russian interference into the 2016 election and the possible role of President Donald Trump’s campaign in those efforts.

Demings is a former Orlando chief of police. She also holds seats on the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Homeland Security.

“Members of the Intelligence Committee are trusted with our nation’s highest secrets and expected to use that information in unwavering defense of our citizens, civil liberties, and Constitution. As a law enforcement officer, I always worked to enforce the law, justly and without prejudice. I will bring that same commitment to justice and truth to this appointment,” Demings stated in a news release issued by her office Wednesday.

Demings, a sharp critic of Trump and of Russiain the past two years, made clear she’s looking forward to joining the Russia probe. She also will have oversight role into them through the Judiciary Committee,which plans to hold hearings on the probe led by Special Counsel Robert Meuller.

“Under GOP leadership, investigations crucial to our security and freedom have been ignored or politicized. After years of inaction and obstruction into crucial investigations, I look forward to working with Chairman Schiff and other members of the committee to resume our constitutionally mandated oversight in defense of our democracy,” she stated.