Schumer Backs Bipartisan Russian Sanctions Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the below statement in support of bipartisan legislation put forward to strengthen sanctions against Russia following ordered interference in the 2016 presidential election:

“We need to stand up to Russia, not back down.  Being tough on Russia has been a bipartisan issue for years - I would hate to see that bipartisanship eroded by the incoming administration. I support my Senate colleagues who introduced a bill to ensure that Vladamir Putin and his oligarchs in Russia pay a price for interfering in our democracy.  The sanctions bill, which I hope the Senate will take up promptly, is one critical step for ensuring that there is a robust response to Putin's unprecedented manipulation of the bedrock mechanisms and infrastructure of our democracy.  Yet we must also ensure that a thorough, careful, and unbiased investigation answers all remaining questions, including about any continued Russian activity against the US or ties between campaigns and Moscow, and that the Senate as a whole achieve an understanding of why Russia committed this aggressive act, what its goals are, and what U.S. policy should be towards Russia. 

“I also want to applaud the Intelligence Community for their work in quickly releasing an unclassified version of their assessment.  The assessment was comprehensive and well-sourced.  Director Clapper and his team deserve the thanks of our nation.  His forthcoming retirement will be a tremendous loss to our nation's Intelligence Community.”