Washington congressman urges probe on Michael Flynn and Russia's influence on U.S.

An influential Washington state Congress member is among the officials pushing for an investigation into Michael Flynn's actions.

Democratic Representative Adam Smith and five other U.S. Representatives are calling for answers to 15 specific questions, and they want a response by February 28. They sent their request Wednesday to White House Counsel Donald F. McGahn, II.

Flynn was forced to resign Monday as President Trump's National Security Adviser. His departure came after revelations that he lied about contact he had with Russia's ambassador before President Trump took office. Media reports also revealed he gave inaccurate information to Vice President Mike Pence about those conversations.

Smith said he wants to know who in the White House knew about Flynn's talks with Russia and why they chose not to act.

Smith: "Apparently President Trump was aware of it at least two to three weeks ago, and it was only when the media was able to get sources on this and bring to light exactly what had happened that he was fired, so that's certainly a big question. And then I think it's legitimate to ask what influence does the Russian government have over the Trump Administration?"

He and the letter's authors say they have grave concerns that Flynn "made false statements about his communications with the Russian Ambassador" and that Flynn was "potentially susceptible to blackmail by the Russian government."

Smith is the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. He represents eastern parts of the Puget Sound area.

He says Republicans, who control Congress, need to do their job.

Smith: "I mean, my goodness, they spent how many millions of dollars looking into Hillary Clinton's emails? They should exercise oversight over the Trump Administration."

Some Republican senators have expressed support for investigations, but Democratic leaders are skeptical whether it will actually happen.