Michael Flynn has set a historical precedent, stepping down from office as National Security Adviser after spending less than a month in office.

While Flynn wrote in his resignation letter “I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way,” it is most likely his time in office will not be remembered by his achievements, but what his resignation means for our country.

The details that have come forward in the wake of Michael Flynn’s resignation have colored the past days, and look sure to do so for some time to come. Flynn stepped down because, it seemed at first, he had lost the trust of the President and his administration. If only that was the end of the story.

Michael Flynn, before the inauguration, “discussed American sanctions against Russia, as well as areas of possible cooperation, with that country’s ambassador to the United States” which raises “the prospect that Mr. Flynn violated a law against private citizens’ engaging in diplomacy, and directly contradict statements made by Trump advisers,” writes the New York Times.

Not only does this discredit Flynn, but it also raises further concerns over the relationship between members of the new administration and Russia, namely the measure of direct influence Russia has over the United States.

While the implications that loom heavy over Flynn’s close contact with Russia before entering into office would be worrying regardless of his station, as National Security Adviser, the result is particularly uncomfortable. With threats to national security currently being one of the most heated topics in political discussion, the Russian question remains unanswered. And in a world of immigration bans and email investigations, silence is unusual and disquieting.

Flynn’s conduct apparently presents something of a problem for Congress. The question of an investigation has been met with some resistance thus far — a concept that, in a post-Watergate world, really boggles the mind.

If this had happened at any other point in time, the merest suggestion of colluding with the Russians would have started an immediate and exacting bipartisan investigation to put Watergate to shame. This is unacceptable behavior from a member of either party, and should be dealt with by representatives from both in order to address wrongdoings and close the partisan gap. Unpunished injustices hurt the nation. This is not a matter of party — it is a matter of principle.

Congress cannot afford to sit idly by and watch the executive branch flounder in its attempts to police itself. The argument of avoiding critique of the new administration due to partisan leanings is understandable, but ultimately embarrassing. Overlooking the brash and possibly dangerous misconduct of others because they are also Republicans reflects badly on the entire party.

Republicans — you deserve better. You fought and waged campaigns against perceived moral lapses in your opposition. You deserve a party who understands that the only way it will keep the sway it has won and the vote of confidence you have been given is by holding itself accountable for faults and correcting them.

Hold your party accountable. Do not let your representatives in Congress be bought off with the promise of policy concessions, and stand idly by while wrong is done. If national security is a real concern for you, reach out to your representatives and take action.

Regardless of your political party or leanings, reach out to your representatives in Congress and urge them to work with those both inside their party and outside of it in order to address this grave issue. Congress’ final response to current calls for investigation may very well set the tone not only for future reactions to political scandals, but also for international relations.

We need to decide how we want our reactions to events such as these to be, not as party members but as individuals within a larger nation in which we all must live with the consequences of our actions.