On the recordMarch 24, 2014
when the Senate last met, I introduced, together with Senator Durbin, a resolution regarding our response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That resolution, which received unanimous support in the Senate, called for a number of specific steps to punish and isolate Russia for its actions. Among these steps we called upon President Obama to impose sanctions on officials of the Russian Federation who are most responsible for the invasion of the Crimean region. I am pleased with recent announcements by the White House which demonstrate that the President has begun the process of sanctioning some of these individuals, although I had hoped the numbers sanctioned would be far greater. I also note that today the President is in the Netherlands discussing with our European allies and partners the need for further steps. I trust and hope he will be successful in reaching a firm consensus with our allies and friends to define a strong united response to Russian aggression. Further, I also welcome such provisions in the legislation that is now pending in the Senate, the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014, which I trust and hope the Senate will be acting on beginning this evening and perhaps extending into this week. I would note time is somewhat of the essence. If we are going to send a message to Russia, certainly we don't want to be bogged down in internal delay over nonrelated or only slightly related issues.…
