Congressman Brown and 22 Armed Services Democrats Introduce Bill to Boost Unity and Deterrence Against Russian Aggression

Press Release

Today, Congressman Anthony G. Brown (D-MD), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and 21 other original co-sponsors introduced the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017. A summary of the bill is available here and its text can be found here. Brown and Smith made the following statements about the bill:

"Russia has repeatedly worked to weaken our democracy and sow disunity among the United States and its allies. In addition to maliciously interfering in our election and those in Germany and France, the Kremlin has deployed missiles in violation of arms control treaties and committed unprovoked acts of aggression in Eastern Europe. This bill calls for a comprehensive strategy to address Russia while working to deescalate conflict that would be catastrophic for all. Ranking Member Smith's legislation is a significant step forward in ensuring we hold Russia accountable for its harmful and destabilizing activities around the world," said Brown.

"I am pleased to work with Congressman Brown on this bill to forcefully and responsibly counter Russian aggression, its violation of arms treaties, and its campaign to erode democratic values worldwide," said Smith. "It is time for Congress to lead on this issue, especially given President Trump's unwillingness take the danger seriously. This bill adopts an intelligent and proactive approach to strengthening allied and partner defenses, increasing deterrence, and boosting our cohesion while requiring measures to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war."

The bill's original co-sponsors are Rep. Anthony G. Brown (D-MD), Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Bob Brady (D-PA), Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Rep. Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY).

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