On the recordJune 13, 2017
I rise to speak on the Crapo-Brown-Corker- Cardin Countering Russian Aggression and Cyber Attacks Act of 2017. This bill, filed as an amendment, was filed as amendment No. 232 to the Iran sanctions bill late last night. Yesterday, the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees concluded their work on a groundbreaking piece of legislation regarding Russia sanctions. I say groundbreaking because the legislation not only ratchets up pressure against the Russian Federation for its illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea, continuing escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, and its cyber activities against businesses and citizens of the United States, but it also, importantly, provides Congress with a strong oversight process over almost any termination or suspension of these sanctions. Senators Corker, Brown, Cardin, and their staffs spent many hours to ensure that we put together a thoughtful and measured product, and I thank them for their work. Senator Brown and I have worked together for months to try to craft a responsible Russia sanctions package, and Senator Corker has been a tireless champion of this measure as has Senator Cardin. I also would be remiss if I did not recognize the work of Senators McCain, Brown, Shaheen, and the many others who have worked to develop much of what has ended up in this legislation.…





