Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement in response to a partisan Russia sanctions bill introduced by Congressional Republicans:  

“I am deeply disappointed in my Republican colleagues for introducing a partisan non-starter of a sanctions package. In choosing to do so, they are prioritizing partisanship over unity and self-promotion over meaningful support for the Ukrainian people. This partisan action does not meet the gravity of this serious moment. 

“The Biden Administration has shown leadership by bringing NATO Allies and European partners together to deter any further Russian invasion into Ukraine. Transatlantic unity has only strengthened in the face of this threat, and it is critical for that cooperation to remain.  

“I commend my colleague Chairman Menendez for his efforts to shepherd a comprehensive and devastating sanctions package in the Senate, and share his hope that we should work urgently in light of the ongoing Russian threat to Ukraine to send meaningful legislation to the President’s desk.”