Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Eliot Engel, the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement on Russia’s decision to grant temporary asylum to Edward Snowden.

“It is impossible to continue with business as usual with Moscow when Putin has chosen to act in such an irresponsible manner. This move will only further strain U.S.-Russia relations. While we can't walk away from our relationship with Moscow, the Russian leadership must understand that there will be a strong U.S. response to this provocation.”