Hoyer Statement on the Expulsion of Russian Intelligence Officers
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2018
Contact Info:
Annaliese Davis 202-225-4131
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Trump Administration announced the expulsion of Russian intelligence officers living in the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle following the poisoning of a Russian dissident in the United Kingdom:
“I’m glad that the Administration has taken this step to punish Russia for its act of aggression against our ally, the United Kingdom. However, one-off responses like this send mixed signals when coupled with the President’s statements praising Vladimir Putin, congratulating him for winning a sham election, and questioning whether Russia was really behind interference into our election.
“Our country must have a coordinated, strategic response to Russian aggression. That’s why I support efforts to impose sanctions on those Russian individuals and entities involved in the Salisbury attack. I hope Congress can work together in a bipartisan way to make clear that we will not tolerate such actions by Russia.”
“I’m glad that the Administration has taken this step to punish Russia for its act of aggression against our ally, the United Kingdom. However, one-off responses like this send mixed signals when coupled with the President’s statements praising Vladimir Putin, congratulating him for winning a sham election, and questioning whether Russia was really behind interference into our election.
“Our country must have a coordinated, strategic response to Russian aggression. That’s why I support efforts to impose sanctions on those Russian individuals and entities involved in the Salisbury attack. I hope Congress can work together in a bipartisan way to make clear that we will not tolerate such actions by Russia.”