McEachin and 22 Democrats Introduce Bill to Boost Unity and Deterrence Against Russian Aggression

WASHINGTON – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), and 21 other original co-sponsors introduced the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017.

“By meddling in our elections last year, Russia attacked our democracy. That aggression calls for a strong and sustained response. We must continue to strengthen our partnerships with European allies — and we need to proactively plan for the new and unconventional threats we are already facing. I am pleased to join Ranking Member Smith in supporting a bill that does all this and more,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04).

Congressman McEachin is a cosponsor of the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017 because he refuses to stand idly by as Putin’s Russia threatens our democratic process. The safety and security of our nation is of the utmost importance. “This bill is an essential piece of legislation toward protecting our interests at home and abroad,” said Congressman McEachin.

“I am pleased to work with Congressman McEachin on this bill to forcefully and responsibly counter Russian aggression, its violation of arms treaties, and its campaign to erode democratic values worldwide,” said Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09). “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 Russian Federation has pursued a deliberate campaign to undermine democracies around the world and weaken U.S. alliances and partnerships. The United States government has not developed a comprehensive response to this danger, including efforts to enhance military deterrence, respond to aggression, and punish Russian violations of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, while acting responsibly to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war. The Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017 would lay the groundwork for such a response.

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A summary of the bill is available here and its text can be found here.

Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365