U.S. Congress is largely backing President Joe Biden’s decision to confront Russia with potentially escalating sanctions for the crisis in Ukraine. Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions, warning other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”
Alabama’s congressional delegation is reacting to the invasion, calling on harsh sanctions, possibly even worse than what the Biden Administration is calling for currently.
House Armed Services Committee Lead Republican Mike Rogers, along with other House Armed Services Committee members, released the following statement, “The last few hours have laid bare for the world to witness the true evil that is Vladimir Putin. Today, we stand resolute with the Ukrainian people and resolve to provide them with the tools they need to withstand and repel this unprovoked attack. Every drop of Ukrainian and Russian blood spilled in this conflict is on Putin’s hands, and his alone.
“In response, we are committed to enacting the strongest possible sanctions and export controls to cripple Russia’s ability to make war, punish its barbarity and relegate the Putin regime to the status of an international pariah. We cannot respond like we did in 2008 or 2014. The world must never forget or forgive this heinous act.”
Rep. Jerry Carl stated on Twitter, “Putin’s invasion of Ukrainian sovereign territory is an act of pure evil, and he should be met with resolve and strength to support #Ukraine and its people. The United States stands with the people of Ukraine and our NATO allies, and I strongly urge @POTUS to enact the toughest possible sanctions to cripple Russia and prevent them from continuing unprovoked attacks.”
Rep. Terri Sewell issued a statement commending Biden’s call for sanctions. “I have been closely watching the troubling situation in Ukraine. America must continue to stand for democratic values around the world, and I commend President Biden for standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and sending the clear message that America is committed to NATO,” Terri stated.
“I was glad to see President Biden attempt to exhaust every diplomatic option possible to avoid a war in Ukraine, and I applaud him for the strong sanctions he announced yesterday. If Russia chooses to continue on this path, there will be swift and severe consequences, including additional crippling sanctions.
“As Americans, we will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and our European allies and support their sovereignty and democratic values.”
Congressman Robert Aderholt condemned Russia’s actions, stating in a press release, “What we have seen over the past few hours in Ukraine is truly heartbreaking. Vladimir Putin has attacked a sovereign nation without cause. This is something that has not occurred in Europe since World War II.
“Ukraine is a peaceful, freedom-loving people. This invasion is a brutal effort by Putin to stamp out a democratic nation on his doorstep. This invasion will lead to thousands of innocent deaths. I am praying for, and encourage us as a nation, to stand with the Ukrainian people during this dark time.”
Barry Moore called the attack “unprovoked” and criticized President Biden.
“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine is unprovoked and evil, but despite what President Biden says, this aggression was not inevitable,” said Moore in a press release. “President Biden’s history of weakness and delayed action opened the door for Putin to continue the annexation of former Soviet territory that began with the invasion of Crimea during the Obama Administration. Pseudo-toughness, passive support and platitudes will never be enough to stop immoral autocrats like Putin. We must never forget what is happening today – and why it happened. I hope you’ll join me in praying for the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedoms and calling on the Administration to – for once – act decisively and hold Putin accountable for this heinous aggression.”
Rep. Mo Brooks condemned the attacks. In a press release, Brooks stated, “Communist dictator Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is barbaric and evil. Putin brought war to a peaceful people. Unfortunately, Ukrainians are learning the hard way that freedom and a republican form of government are never granted, they are hard-won.”
Brooks concluded, “While Putin’s Ukrainian invasion and murders are heinous, this is first and foremost a problem for Western Europe to resolve. America should impose maximum economic sanctions to force a hefty price on Russia for its brutal Ukraine invasion. America should wait and consider military assistance to our European allies only if Europe asks and, even then, only if Europe takes the lead military role in whatever defensive measures, if any, Europe decides is appropriate to counter Russia’s barbaric invasion of an otherwise peaceful nation.”
Brook continued his criticism of Biden on social media and praised former President Donald Trump’s handling of Russia. On Twitter, Brooks stated, “Joe Biden has all the strength of a marshmallow. President Trump, on the other hand, had it right and was very forceful in dealing with authoritarian dictator Vladimir Putin.”
Over the weekend, Sen. Tommy Tuberville attended the Munich Security Conference with a bipartisan delegation to discuss tensions in Eastern Europe.
Tuberville stated, “As we’ve seen from Putin’s aggression, strongly-worded statements don’t stop wars. Rather than discuss a diplomatic resolution, Putin chose to invade Ukraine and test world order. His actions must be met with a tough and targeted response.”
Tuberville also called for European countries to contribute more to their own security, stating, “For 80 years, Americans have sacrificed to bring security and peace to the European continent. The events of the past 24 hours underscore that it is time for Europe to contribute more to its own security. The United States should support Ukraine and provide assistance to Ukraine’s military through weapons and funding for emergency equipment while leveling tough and targeted sanctions to halt Russian escalations and cripple Russia’s economy. The incremental sanctions issued by President Biden today are a weak response – the time to have imposed harsh sanctions was yesterday.
“Allies and adversaries across the globe are watching, and they must be left with no doubt about our strength and resolve. Strength abroad starts with strength at home through investments in our military readiness and 21st-century capabilities. We must be ready for future conflicts and refrain from having American bloodshed in fights without American interests.
“I call on my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and our allies to ensure Russia pays a heavy price for Putin’s aggression. “
Sen. Richard Shelby, the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, argued that the invasion is a part of Putin’s plan to restore the Soviet Union.
Shelby stated on Twitter, “Putin’s invasion of Ukraine comes as no surprise. He is on a mission to reconstitute the Soviet Union. This should be a wakeup call for the U.S. and our allies in Europe. Putin must be taken very seriously. A strong, unified response is imperative.”
