U.S. intel sees ongoing Russian election meddling

(FOX 5 NEWS) - The top U.S. intelligence chiefs told lawmakers that they have seen signs of Russian meddling in the upcoming midterm elections.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo delivered a stern assessment on foreign interference in American politics. In testimony on the Hill, Pompeo said the agency has seen Russian activity in the lead-up to the 2018 midterm elections as well as interference in the 2016 election.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the American public needs to know that this interference "is real" and that the country needs to build a system to protect elections from meddling.

"The Russians have a strategy that goes well beyond what is happening in the United States. While they have historically tried to do these types of things, clearly in 2016 they upped their game," Coats said. "They took advantage, a sophisticated advantage of social media. They are doing that not only in the United States but doing it throughout Europe and perhaps elsewhere."

Adm. Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, said Russia's interference is ongoing.

"This is not going to change or stop," Rogers said.

The FBI has already begun meeting with state officials about Russia's intentions during the midterms and what can be done to protect the process.