Advertisement

House Democrats want tougher stance on Russia from Trump

By Eric DuVall
Russian military cadets march during the Victory Day parade to on the Red Square in Moscow. House Democrats have drafted legislation that would require the Trump administration to enact tougher sanctions against Russia. File photo by UPI
Russian military cadets march during the Victory Day parade to on the Red Square in Moscow. House Democrats have drafted legislation that would require the Trump administration to enact tougher sanctions against Russia. File photo by UPI | License Photo

June 22 (UPI) -- A group of House Democrats have introduced legislation that would require President Donald Trump's administration to draft plans to address potential threats from Russia.

The bill, cosponsored by 23 Democrats serving on the House Armed Services Committee, includes some language from other pieces of legislation, including the National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation, named the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act and introduced June 13, would require the Pentagon to draft comprehensive plans to counter Russian military aggression around the world, specifically in Syria and eastern Ukraine, two conflicts in which the Russian military has become deeply involved.

Advertisement

It also would require President Donald Trump to present Congress with a plan to implement stronger sanctions against Russia until it is in compliance with a nuclear weapons treaty between the two countries.

Democrats pressed Republicans on Capitol Hill to act on Russia, arguing the threats posed on diplomatic, military and intelligence fronts are increasing.

"It is time for Congress to lead on this issue, especially given President Trump's unwillingness take the danger seriously," Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., ranking member of the committee, said in a statement. "With this legislation, we are laying the foundation for an intelligent and proactive approach that strengthens allied and partner defenses, increases deterrence and boosts cohesion while taking steps to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war."

Advertisement

Democrats said they would wait until Republican-drafted legislation is unveiled in the coming weeks before deciding which elements of their bill they would seek to include as amendments to other defense bills as they're marked up by the Armed Services Committee.

Latest Headlines