Castro Statement on New Russia Sanctions
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the only Democratic member on both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today released the following statement:
“Last summer, Congress passed the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act in a sweeping bipartisan vote 419-3. This legislation provided President Trump the authority to sanction Russia for its malign activity and specifically for its 2016 interference in our election. But until today, the President has been hesitant to use it. I welcome today’s announcement of the Treasury Department designating five entities and 19 individuals as well as the White House’s new Executive Order blocking property for those engaged in malicious cyber activity. This was a long time coming.
“Just last week, I joined 139 other lawmakers urging the President to implement the letter and spirit of the law by imposing sanctions against those behind Russia’s attacks on American democracy. It’s about time that the Trump Administration carries out the law, sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin that the United States will use tools in our toolbox to stop additional interference in our election. It is my hope that this Administration continues to sanction those responsible for this malicious behavior and protect our democracy.”
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