Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Russian Sanctions Vote
Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill to strengthen sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:
"I just voted in favor of a sanctions bill that takes aim at three of our most dangerous adversaries – Iran, North Korea, and Russia. I was proud to join a large and bipartisan group of my colleagues to vote in favor of a bill that will penalize individuals and businesses in all three countries in a punitive and corrective effort. In the event that the President vetoes it, I will also vote to override his veto for the good of the national interest.
"The mere fact that the President opposed this legislation before he saw that it was supported by an overwhelming – and veto proof – majority in both houses of Congress shows us how out-of-step this Administration is with our national security interests. The President wanted a free hand to withdraw sanctions on Russian oligarchs and state-controlled enterprises. He's more concerned about buddying up to Putin – a man that ordered interference in our election last year, supports a murderous and immoral despot in the form of Bashar al-Assad, directed the illegal invasions of both Georgia and Ukraine, and threatens the security of our NATO allies. Now, the President will not be able to kowtow to despots for unknown or questionable reasons.
"I hope that this bipartisan effort in defense of our clear national security interests emboldens Congressional Republicans to stand up to President Trump when he inevitably again shakes the confidence that all Americans deserve to have in their government."