Smucker Statement on Russian Interference and Next Steps

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today issued the following statement:

“Russia has engaged in bad-faith negotiations with numerous American presidents for decades, invaded sovereign nations, committed egregious human rights violations, supports bad actors across the globe, and interfered in our election.

“Last year, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act to hold Russia accountable. This tough policy received widespread bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. While the administration has implemented this law, every provision has yet to be fully enforced. This urgently needs to be resolved. President Trump should continue to work with Secretaries Pompeo and Mnuchin to fully enforce these sanctions so Russia feels the full weight of American pressure as soon as possible. If President Putin is interested in rectifying our relationship, he should cooperate with efforts to prosecute the 12 Russian officers indicted for interfering in our election.

“We also know Russia attempted to sow divisions among the American people during the 2016 election. While the effects of Russian interference are not fully known, we do know the American people can set aside partisan blinders to defeat a common foe. Our nation’s history is filled with examples of citizens doing exactly that. 

“My job representing the interests and values across Pennsylvania’s 16th District is to work to enact policies that improve the lives of those I represent. Therefore, I will continue working to improve our nation’s defenses against threats both foreign and domestic, and help ensure that when Americans vote, it’s an election free of any fraudulent influence.”

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