Austin American-Statesman: Reaction from Texas' Members of Congress

The American-Statesman asked the state's two U.S. senators and the six congressmen representing Austin and surrounding areas whether they were troubled by reports this week that President Donald Trump revealed highly classified information in a meeting with top Russian officials. Only three people responded. Not responding: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee; Roger Williams, R-Austin; Bill Flores, R-Bryan; John Carter, R-Round Rock.

"It is unquestionably important to protect the sources and methods we use to collect intelligence. It is important for America's national security, it is important for the security of our allies. I'm going to wait and withhold judgment on what's been reported until I know the facts and circumstances — of what was said and what the context was. And I'm hopeful to learn more details in a classified setting, an appropriate setting to have a briefing and understand what was communicated. But I don't think we should leap to conclusions based on press reports based on anonymous sources. The proper way to assess a situation is to do so with facts and evidence and understanding and I look forward to learning more about what was communicated and what wasn't."

—U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas

"The White House and National Security Council have denied the allegations about sharing classified intelligence and there is no evidence showing otherwise. As commander in chief, President Trump has the right to confer with global leaders in the fight against terrorism."

— U.S. Sen. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio

"It's true that ‘loose lips sink ships.' And sealed lips sink a democracy. What will awaken those Republican officials, who remain silent, deep asleep in their partisan stupor? They must decide whether they want to be accessories to Trump's obstruction of justice as he continues to endanger our national security.The Russians deserve sanctions, not secrets."

— U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin