[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 RUSSIA

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, if reports are true that Russia has 
been paying a bounty to the Taliban to kill American soldiers, this is 
a very serious escalation of what Russia expert Edward Lucas dubbed 
``The New Cold War.'' Mr. Lucas said that back in 2008.
  This sort of movement by Russia, if it is proven--and there are a lot 
who believe with Russia it is possible--it demands a strong response. 
And I don't mean a diplomatic response.
  We have had previous things like this happen with Russia. President 
Bush tried playing nice with Russia, then talking tough when Putin 
showed his true nature.
  President Obama repeated this cycle--you know the word--``resetting'' 
relations, despite Russia having just occupied parts of our ally 
Georgia, and then switching gears when Russia invaded Ukraine.
  Putin is a KGB guy who understands only strength. His popularity has 
taken a hit lately. It makes him very unpredictable. That may be why he 
is doing these things, even though Russia has a reputation for doing 
them all the time.
  So we need to increase deterrence on NATO's eastern flank. We should 
also hit back where it hurts.
  Dictators like Putin fear their own people--and, of course, for good 
reason. Putin and his cronies have enriched themselves at the expense 
of ordinary Russians.
  This week Russia is having a referendum on waiving term limits, 
allowing Putin to stay in power when his term is up. Of course, Russia 
will probably be conducting a rigged election.
  We should point out to the Russian people that they don't have to 
accept that.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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