WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement:

“Today's announced expulsion of Russian intelligence officers from the United States and closure of the Seattle consulate is the right thing to do in response to the egregious Russian attack on Britain. We need to work closely with our allies and partners to send a clear message that Russia's criminal behavior will not go unanswered. These actions, taken together, are a welcome demonstration of Western unity and solidarity, and I hope in the future we will see more joint efforts to push back against Russian aggression.

“This strong response to the attack in the UK makes even more bizarre the Administration's weak response to Russia's ongoing attack right here in the United States. President Trump hasn't done nearly enough to respond to Russia's attack on American democracy, or to prevent it from happening again. Instead, the President praises Putin at every turn. It's good that the United States is standing with our ally in this matter. But we also need the Trump Administration to stand up for our own democracy.”

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