Dem senator: Credibility of House Russia probe ‘in shreds’

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes’s (R-Calif.) actions have damaged the integrity of his panel’s investigation into Russian election interference, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) says.

“I think there has been so much tactics and strategy by the House chairman to support the president that the credibility of the House really is in shreds,” Merkley said Thursday on CNN’s “New Day.”

Asked if he’s “given up” on the House committee’s investigation, Merkley said “pretty much,” adding: “I think anywhere the House gets to, the Senate will have gotten to previously.”

{mosads}Nunes revealed last week that he has seen evidence the U.S. intelligence community incidentally surveilled President Trump’s transition team before inauguration.

Nunes met with an unidentified source on White House grounds the day before his announcement to view classified evidence of the surveillance. He has refused to share the evidence with members of his committee.

Nunes said Tuesday he would not publicly reveal sources amid widespread pressure.

Many Democrats and one Republican have urged Nunes to recuse himself from his panel’s investigation into Russian meddling in the presidential election.

Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) told The Hill on Tuesday that Nunes should “absolutely” recuse himself from his panel’s probe, becoming the first Republican lawmaker to do so.

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) said Wednesday that the Senate Intelligence Committee, not the House panel, should lead the investigation of Russia’s election interference.

“I think the Senate is moving on a better trajectory,” he told CNN. “I think we’re going to have to rely on the Senate for a report on this Russian meddling in the election.”