Reid: Republican ‘Obstruction’ May Have Helped Russia Annex Crimea

Reid: Republican 'Obstruction' May Have Helped Russia Annex Crimea (RealClearPolitics)

SEN. HARRY REID: The first item the Senate must consider in this new work period is a bipartisan package of aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia for their untoward actions against their neighbor. As we prepare to debate this measure, I would remind all Senators that it is customary to show respect for the President and his office whenever he travels abroad. That has been the custom in the United States Senate regardless of who is in office.

As we begin debate on this aid and sanctions package, I also hope that Republicans who stopped action on this legislation prior to the break have considered how their obstruction affects United States’ national security as well as the people of Ukraine. Since a few Republicans blocked these important sanctions last work period, Russian lawmakers voted to annex Crimea and Russian forces have taken over Ukrainian military bases. It’s impossible to know whether events would have unfolded differently if the United States had responded to Russian aggression with a strong, unified voice. When a few extremist Republicans blocked action on this robust bill reported with strong, bipartisan support by the Foreign Relations Committee, it sent a dangerous message to Russian leaders.