You're reading: McCain: Russia must pay greater price for its aggression

 

Editor’s Note: The following are July 28 remarks by U.S. Sen. John McCain delivered ahead of the U.S. Senate’s 98-2 vote in favor of toughening sanctions against Russia and requiring congressional oversight before any sanctions against the Kremlin are eased. A video of McCain’s remarks can be watched here or here and his prepared remarks can be read below.

‘Mr. President:

‘In just the last three years under Vladimir Putin, Russia has invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea, threatened NATO allies, and intervened militarily in Syria, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and broken promises in his wake. And of course, last year, Russia attacked the foundations of American democracy with a cyber and information campaign to interfere in America’s 2016 election.

‘This should not just outrage every American, but it should compel us to action.

‘But in the last eight months, what price has Russia paid for attacking American democracy? Hardly any at all. This legislation would begin to change that.

‘The legislation would impose mandatory sanctions on transactions with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors, including the FSB (Federal Security Service) and the GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency that was primarily responsible for Russia’s attack on our election.

‘The legislation would impose mandatory visa bans and asset freezes on any individual that undermines the cybersecurity of public or private infrastructure and democratic institutions. And it would impose mandatory sanctions on those who assist or support such activities.

‘The legislation would codify existing sanctions on Russia by placing into law six executive orders signed by President Obama in response to both Russian interference in the 2016 election and its illegal actions in Ukraine. And it would take new steps tighten those sanctions.

‘The legislation would target the Russian energy sector, which is controlled by Vladimir Putin’s cronies, with sanctions on investments in Russian petroleum and natural gas development as well as Russian energy pipelines.

‘The United States of America needs to send a strong message to Vladimir Putin and any other aggressor that we will not tolerate attacks on our democracy. We must take our own side in this fight-not as Republicans, not as Democrats, but as Americans. It’s time to respond to Russia’s attack on American democracy with strength, with resolve, with common purpose, and with action.’