June 30, 2017

Pass the Senate’s Russia sanctions bill in the House of Representatives

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On June 14th, the U.S. Senate passed a crucial amendment to the Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act (S. 722) by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 97-2. S. Amend. 232 adds new sanctions targeting various sectors in Russia’s economy and sanctions individuals affiliated with Russia’s defense sector. Critically, all existing sanctions imposed on Russia for its illegal annexation of Crimea and its military invasion of Ukraine would become codified into law under this legislation. The bill would help ensure that sanctions against the Russian Federation will remain in place until the withdrawal of all covert and overt Russian forces and equipment from Ukraine.

The Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act has now been sent to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it faces an uncertain future. Tentative discussions have not resulted in a consensus on the scope and depth of a Russia sanctions-regime bill.

Below, please find a sample letter that you can mail to your representative petitioning for support of a Russia sanctions bill similar to that passed in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, you can submit your letter online at www.house.gov. Simply log onto the website, find your representative and complete the online form to submit your correspondence. Should you have any questions, please contact the UNIS office at 202- 547-0018 or at [email protected].

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The Honorable (name)

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (name):

As an American of Ukrainian descent, I am deeply concerned about Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine. Beginning with the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, the Russian Federation has violated numerous tenets of international law and order. Such actions must be rebuked by Ukraine’s strategic allies and the global community of democratic nations.

Recent legislation by the U.S. Senate – S. 722 and S. Amend. 232 – would seek to impose stricter sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and interference in the U.S. electoral process. I highly encourage and request that you support a similar bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Punitive actions against Russia must be taken immediately to thwart future acts of aggression and interference. I look forward to your active support of this issue.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

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