Mariia Butina is accused of working as an unregistered Russian agent while attending American University in Washington from 2015 to 2017. | AP Photo Senate approves release of documents regarding alleged Russian agent

The Senate on Wednesday approved the release of internal Intelligence Committee documents to the Justice Department regarding alleged Russian agent Mariia Butina.

The Senate Intelligence Committee interviewed Butina as part of its lengthy investigation into Russian influence on U.S. elections in 2016. In a joint statement, the committee's leaders said they planned to turn over records of those interviews to the federal government.


“In response to requests from the Department of Justice and counsel for [Mariia] Butina, we have sought authorization from the Senate to release to both parties the transcript of Ms. Butina’s testimony before the committee,” said Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.). and ranking member Mark Warner (D-Va.). “The committee intends to provide the transcript, provided both parties agree to include it under the auspices of a protective order, which we understand is currently under discussion.”

Butina, whose first name has been rendered as both Mariia and Maria, is accused of working as an unregistered Russian agent while attending American University in Washington from 2015 to 2017.

The Senate measure passed unanimously as the chamber prepared to go into a recess of nearly two weeks.