How many members of the GOP's Russia caucus are going to vote against it? Inquiring minds would like to know.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) is leading a bipartisan group of House members in sponsoring the Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act in response to their invasion of Ukraine. Those members include Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jared Golden (D-ME), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Tom Malinowski (D-NJ).
From Lieu's press release on the bill:
Upon introduction, the Members said:
“The United States must use every tool we have to stop Russia from its violent aggression in Ukraine,” Rep. Lieu said. “Russia supports proxies conducting terrorism against civilians around the globe, from Syria to Ukraine. By designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, this legislation increases consequences on Putin’s murderous behavior. Drawing on sanctions authority originally created by Congress, the bill further isolates Russia and inflicts more economic consequences on Putin’s regime. I’m pleased to bring together a bipartisan coalition of members to champion this issue.”
“The world is painfully aware of war criminal Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent and ongoing bloodbath that has already resulted in the senseless death of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers,” said Rep. Wilson. “However, Russia’s involvement in international terrorism is more expansive and has been well documented for years, whether through direct attacks on civilian and humanitarian infrastructure or orchestrated through its networks of contracted mercenaries around the world. Putin’s reign of terror must stop, and this designation is one way to formally and collectively recognize Putin’s extensive crimes against humanity. I’m grateful to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Lieu.”
"Those who have watched the Russian Federation under Vladimir Putin know it belongs on the State Sponsor of Terror (SST) list. Not only has Russia committed countless crimes against humanity in its unlawful war against Ukraine, it has bolstered paramilitary such as the Wagner Group, Chechen terrorists, and Ukrainian separatists. Instead of focusing on the needs of his people over the past two decades, Vladimir Putin has thrown away their future in favor of trying to rebuild the former Soviet Union. While the designation of Russia as an SST is not something to take lightly, we must not forget that Putin has used chemical weapons on NATO soil, aided in the downing of a civilian airliner over Ukraine, and has supported despots like Bashar al-Assad in Syria,” said Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). “I am proud to join this bipartisan legislation to add Russia to the SST list. By adding Putin, we are cutting off his government and his cronies from the civilized world and labeling Russia a global pariah like Cuba, Syria, North Korea, and Iran.”
“It has been evident for years that Russia uses terrorism to pursue its goals, whether its targeting civilians in Ukraine or Chechnya, supporting the Bashar al-Assad’s brutal actions against his own people in Syria, assassinating political opponents abroad, or using fronts such as the Wagner Group to shield its malign activities from public view," said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). "Russia’s atrocities against civilians in Ukraine makes clear that the use of terror is a recurring feature of Vladimir Putin’s Russia and Congress must respond with decisive action. The bipartisan bill I am introducing with my colleagues today would hold Russia to account for its acts of terror, impose serious penalties, and support our brave Ukrainian allies fighting for their nation and freedom.”
"Putin's brutality did not start in Ukraine," said Rep Malinowski. "His regime has long allowed designated terrorists to operate from Russian territory, including white supremist groups and mercenaries. The atrocities in Ukraine committed not just by the Russian military, but by Putin’s terrorist proxies, justify this designation."
You can read the full text of the bill here.
