Ranking Member Shaheen Statement Urging Congressional Action to Stop Russia’s War on Ukraine

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement upon the Senate's return from August recess urging congressional action to stop Putin's war against Ukraine:

"President Trump's summit with Vladimir Putin was an abject failure that delivered no results and pushed us further from peace. While President Trump continues to set new flimsy deadlines, Putin crosses one redline after another by killing Ukrainians in savage attacks that have cost the lives of hundreds of civilians, including children.

"President Trump's refusal to get tough on Putin is not only costing the lives of innocent Ukrainians, it is also weakening U.S. leadership on the world stage. At the same time, the Administration refuses to hold China accountable for buying Russian oil while imposing stiff tariffs on India-moves that only deepen Moscow and Beijing's camaraderie, as we saw on display in China earlier this week. The Trump Administration needs to realize that inaction on Putin shows weakness and erodes our deterrence against would-be aggressors. If President Trump is unwilling to change course, Congress should be ready to act.

"As the Senate returns from August recess, Republican leadership must advance the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions legislation-which has over 85 co-sponsors-and my bipartisan bills to bolster Ukraine's defenses and apply pressure on Beijing for bankrolling Putin's war machine. Putin cannot be allowed to continue to play and string along President Trump. The Senate must take action to limit catastrophic damage to America's trustworthiness as an ally and a bulwark against despots. Putin only understands strength and Congress must move decisively to show that America's resolve is unshakable."

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