Congressional committees are investigating Russian interference in last year's U-S presidential election.  At a town hall meeting in the 5th district yesterday, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty was asked about speculation on what, if any, meddling was done.

She has looked at the classified, and said they are not reassuring.

Esty called for a 9-11 style commission to get to the bottom of the matter.  Esty says an independent body with subpoena authority that can look at classified documents is the first step needed.

Unlike some of the contentious constituent meetings held elsewhere in the country, Esty received a standing ovation when she entered.  It was a wide-ranging town hall meeting.  Residents from Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Milford and New Fairfield were among those who asked questions.  The gathering was only scheduled for an hour and a half, but Esty stayed to answer questions about twice as long.  Esty said afterward she wasn't surprised at the turn out because her office received some 1,000 to 2,000 communications each week.

Residents asked what could be done to reduce college loan costs, called for a halt to the Dakota Access pipeline, and suggested reforms to make the Social Security program solvent.

Esty was asked to weighed in on several cabinet appointees.  She said she is very uncomfortable with the new Education Secretary, noting that she is wary of vouchers.  Esty said the Administration is basically giving up on public schools.  Esty was asked whether she will call for U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions to resign over failure to disclose his campaign-season contacts with a Russian ambassador.  She didn't call for his resignation, instead calling for that 9-11 style commission.

Esty also addressed two gun-related bills being considered.  One would deregulate silencers.  She said that was a solution in search of a problem.  The other one is about concealed carry reciprocity.  Esty said because some states have no gun free zones and allow 18 year olds to carry, that would become the nationwide standard.  If a police officer asked to see a license, Esty says the officer could be civilly sued by a teen who brought a gun to the classroom if the bill is approved.