Senators Try Again to Label Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., announced Sept. 11 that they are introducing a bill to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism until it returns more than 19,000 children it abducted during its invasion of Ukraine.
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The proposed Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act would have “significant economic consequences” for Russia because it would make “it very difficult for you to do any above-board business with Russia,” Graham told reporters. It would “do a lot to cripple Putin’s ability to maintain this war.”
Graham and Blumenthal made their announcement at a Capitol Hill press conference, where they were joined by Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. Graham said they decided to hold off on including Belarus in the legislation after the Moscow ally reportedly released more than 50 political prisoners.
Graham and Blumenthal introduced a similar measure in the last Congress but didn't tie its designation to the status of Ukrainian children (see 2406200050). Instead, they cited a host of reasons Russia should receive the label, including mass executions of Ukrainian civilians.
Blumenthal said the new state sponsor of terrorism legislation is “no substitute” for a bill the two senators introduced in April to impose a wide range of sanctions on Russia and its supporters if Moscow fails to make peace (see 2504020003). The sanctions legislation has more than 80 Senate co-sponsors but hasn't come up for a vote on the Senate floor.
Blumenthal urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to hold a vote on the sanctions bill following Russia’s recent drone incursion into Polish airspace. Graham said he planned to discuss the sanctions legislation with Thune later in the day.
Graham also said he believes President Donald Trump is “very intent on making China pay for propping up” Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also is encouraging the European Union to take more steps against China, Graham added.