Bill seeks to enhance Russian sanctions

A group of lawmakers recently introduced a measure designed to bolster Russian sanctions, with the goal of applying economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on the Federation.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) joined Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC),
Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2018. The effort, the senators said, is in response to Vladimir Putin’s continued interference in U.S. elections, influence in Syria, aggression across Eastern Europe, and other destabilizing activities.

“For nearly two years, our nation’s top intelligence officials have repeatedly warned that the Kremlin is continuing its efforts to target our elections and sow chaos among our citizens,” McCain said. “Until Putin pays a serious price for his actions, these attacks on our democracy will only grow. This bill would build on the strongest sanctions ever imposed on the Putin regime for its assault on democratic institutions, violation of international treaties, and siege on open societies through cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns.”

McCain also noted the bill would also modernize diplomatic tools and secure critical infrastructure to better deter and defend against Putin’s aggression.

“The current sanctions regime has failed to deter Russia from meddling in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections,” Graham said. “Our goal is to change the status quo and impose crushing sanctions and other measures against Putin’s Russia until he ceases and desists meddling in the electoral process, halts cyber-attacks on infrastructure, removes Russia from Ukraine and ceases efforts to create chaos in Syria. The sanctions and other measures contained in this bill are the most hard-hitting ever imposed – and a direct result of Putin’s continued desire to undermine American democracy.”