Shaheen Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Impose New Sanctions on Russia

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to impose new sanctions against Russia for its nerve agent attack on two individuals in England earlier this year: 

“The Kremlin continues to export the brutal tactics it uses within its own borders to the rest of the world and there must be severe repercussions. I am pleased with the administration’s decision to sanction Russia for these crimes in the U.K.,” said Shaheen. “It speaks volumes that the United States is doing this while standing with our transatlantic partners. I would encourage the Trump administration to consistently follow this policy and stand up to the Kremlin’s ruthless behavior and continued aggression against like-minded democracies worldwide.” 

Last week, Senator Shaheen introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Graham (R-SC), Menendez (D-NJ), Gardner (R-CO), Cardin (D-MD) and McCain (R-AZ), that would increase economic, political and diplomatic pressure on the Russian Federation in response to Russia’s continued interference in U.S. elections, destructive influence in Syria, aggression in Crimea and other activities.

Senator Shaheen has led efforts in Congress to hold Russia accountable for its election interference, and was the first legislator to call for hearings on their attack on our democracy. Because of her role as a negotiator on Russia sanctions legislation known as “CAATSA” and her efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression, Shaheen was sanctioned by the Kremlin in December. Shaheen has also led the call for the Trump administration to allow for Congress to receive testimony from the United States interpreter present in President Trump and Vladimir Putin’s private meeting in Helsinki, Finland. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last month, Senator Shaheen questioned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding the President’s meeting with Putin, and why the Trump administration continues to leave Congress and the American people in the dark regarding the private meeting.