Blumenthal Statement on Enforcement of Sanctions Against Russia

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration sanctioned five entities and nineteen individuals under legislation approved by Congress last summer to hold Russia accountable for their meddling in the 2016 election and other destabilizing activities around the world.

“Notably, these sanctions’ reliance on Special Counsel Mueller’s indictment supports the credibility and legitimacy of his investigation and criminal charges. This investigation is no witch hunt,” Blumenthal said.

“Still, the Trump Administration’s response is both delayed and deficient. President Trump must deliver an unmistakable message – we mean business, and we’re hitting your business‎ where it hurts. Weeks after missing a key deadline, the Trump Administration has failed to even enforce the full range of cyber, military, intelligence, and energy sector sanctions provided by Congress last year. Absent a credible deterrent through strong, specific sanctions – as Congress authorized and President Trump neglected – Russia will continue its information warfare and other malign activities. President Trump must deliver a clear message to Russia from the United States: your efforts to destabilize democracies around the world will be punished.”