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Democratic lawmakers from both chambers are urging President Trump to either suspend or investigate National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over reports that he discussed sanctions on Russia with the country's ambassador the day they were imposed by the Obama administration.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Friday that Flynn should no longer serve if allegations that he discussed sanctions with Russia while President Obama was still in office are true.

Schiff, D-Calif., said in a statement that recent reports that Flynn spoke with Russia ahead of President Trump's inauguration raise "serious questions" about whether the former military officer should continue serving as one of the president's top advisers.

"The allegation that General Flynn, while President Obama was still in office, secretly discussed with Russia's ambassador ways to undermine the sanctions levied against Russia for its interference in the presidential election on Donald Trump's behalf raises serious questions of legality and fitness for office," Schiff said in a statement.

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"If he did so, and then he and other administration officials misled the American people, his conduct would be all the more pernicious and he should no longer serve in this administration or any other," he continued.

It is not illegal for Flynn to speak with the Russian ambassador during Obama's lame duck session, but the law does prohibit making any promises about possible changes under Trump's administration that would undermine Obama. The FBI is investigating whether Flynn made any promises regarding the repeal or weakening of the sanctions Obama levied against Russia in response to its hacking during the U.S. election.

Sens. Ed Markey and Chris Murphy, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a joint statement about their concerns regarding Flynn.

Markey said Flynn may have lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his converstions with the Russian ambassador, and he may not be able to continue serving.

"That General Flynn may have misled the Vice President of the United States and others raises the most serious questions about his ability to continue serving as National Security Advisor," Markey said. "I hope federal law enforcement professionals investigate this matter immediately. Any effort to undermine our nation's foreign policy even during a transition period may be illegal and must be taken seriously."

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Murphy added there's no way to explain Flynn's actions.

"Either Donald Trump directed his National Security Adviser to undermine U.S. foreign policy on Russia, or Michael Flynn went rogue and did it on his own," Murphy said. "Then he either lied to the Vice President or the Vice President went on television to lie to the American people. Whatever transpired, the President needs to get his White House under control."

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said his committee's work on Russia's role in the election is even more important now.

"These reports underscore both the gravity and the urgency of the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election," Warner said in a statement, "which will include a thorough examination of counterintelligence concerns including any links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns."

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is on the House Permanent Select Commitee on Intelligence said Flynn should no longer be serving.

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"The @WhiteHouse should immediately SUSPEND National Security Advisor Flynn & REVOKE access to classified information until investigated," Swalwell said in a tweet.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., previously questioned whether Flynn should even hold a security clearance if the allegations are true.

The White House said and Flynn initially stated that he did not discuss sanctions with the ambassador and instead exchanged Christmas greetings and the logistics of setting up a phone conversation between their two leaders, but he has subsequently changed his story.

A spokesman told the Washington Post that while Flynn "had no recollection of discussing sanctions," he didn't want to state for "certain that the topic never came up."

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Intel committee's top Democrat says Flynn can't serve if Russia reports are true - Washington Examiner