June 22, 2017

Congressman Gallego and 22 Armed Services Democrats Introduce Bill to Boost Unity and Deterrence Against Russian Aggression

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and 21 other original co-sponsors introduced the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017. A summary of the bill is available here and its text can be found here. Gallego and Smith made the following statements about the bill:

"The threat from Russia is real, clear, and immediate. Russia is an enemy that undermines our elections, degrades our alliance network, and abuses the human and civil rights of its own people and freedom-loving peoples around the world," said Gallego. "While President Trump continues to cozy up to President Putin, his feckless handling of foreign policy is putting our national security at risk. Through the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act, Democrats in Congress are working to preserve America's formidable leadership of the Western alliance in opposition to Putin."

"I am pleased to work with Congressman Gallego on this bill to forcefully and responsibly counter Russian aggression, its violation of arms treaties, and its campaign to erode democratic values worldwide," said Smith. "It is time for Congress to lead on this issue, especially given President Trump's unwillingness take the danger seriously. This bill adopts an intelligent and proactive approach to strengthening allied and partner defenses, increasing deterrence, and boosting our cohesion while requiring measures to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war."

The bill's original co-sponsors are Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Bob Brady (D-PA), Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Jep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Rep. Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY).