[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 129 (Monday, July 31, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S4610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             Sanctions Bill

  Now, Madam President, on the matter of Russia sanctions. I was very 
proud last week, as nearly every Member of Congress, save five, voted 
to pass legislation for sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea; 
that there was such bipartisanship on that issue. According to reports, 
the President will sign the legislation.
  These are tough sanctions. They will have a real effect on Russia, 
and they are more than justified. President Putin violated the 
sovereignty of Ukraine, aided and abetted human rights abuses in Syria, 
and attacked the very foundation of our democracy by meddling in the 
2016 election.

  Just as importantly, the sanctions bill gives Congress the ability to 
review any decision to weaken, dilute, or lift sanctions on Russia. 
President Putin will not be able to get out from under the sting of 
these sanctions without the consent of Congress.
  Let this be an unequivocal message to Mr. Putin and any other nation 
that is thinking of interfering in our elections: If you interfere with 
our elections, which we hold sacred, you will be sanctioned. Those 
sanctions will be severe.