The U.S. must make investigating Russian interference in the presidential election a "top priority," House Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul said Monday.

"Russia's recent hacks should be taken very seriously, and the United States must make it a top priority to investigate any outside interference aimed at undermining our democratic process," the Texas Republican said in a statement.

"These types of intrusions, whether from a nation-state or cyber criminals, must be met with a response that is forceful, public and decisive."

McCaul said he would work "hand-in-hand" with the incoming Trump administration and congressional leaders to enhance the U.S.'s cyber defenses and help state and local offices do the same.

The CIA believes Russian hackers were trying to help Donald Trump win the election by obtaining and releasing via WikiLeaks emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonDemocratic groups using Bloomberg money to launch M in Spanish language ads in Florida The Hill's Campaign Report: Presidential polls tighten weeks out from Election Day More than 50 Latino faith leaders endorse Biden MORE campaign chairman John Podesta, according to a Friday report from the Washington Post.

ADVERTISEMENT

While that conclusion has been questioned by the FBI, the disclosure has sparked a new controversy, with congressional Democrats and some Republicans calling for an investigation into Russia's interference.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday said that the CIA's findings should be investigated by the Senate Intelligence Committee, but rejected calls for a special select committee to review the matter.

Trump and his allies, though, have dismissed the allegations. In a statement released Friday, the Trump campaign said it was "time to move on" from the allegations of Russian election interference.