Wilson and Lieu Introduce Bipartisan Resolution on Designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
Washington, D.C.– Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ted Lieu (D-CA), both members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, introduced a resolution calling for the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Under the direction of Putin and in addition to the murderous atrocities currently being committed against the people of Ukraine, the Russian Federation has and continues to promote acts of international terrorism against political opponents and nation states around the world.
The Russian Federation must be held accountable for their acts of global terrorism.
This resolution serves as a companion to the Senate version introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
"The world is painfully aware of war criminal Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent and ongoing bloodbath that has already resulted in the death of unknown thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers. However, Russia's involvement in international terrorism is more expansive and has been well documented for years, whether through direct attacks or orchestrated through private military networks and hired thugs. Their reign of terror must stop, and this designation is one way to formally and collectively recognize what they have done against humanity," said Rep. Wilson.
"Ukraine will remain a free, sovereign and independent nation thanks to a coalition of countries led by the United States committed to democracy and opposing Russian aggression. But there is more we can do to support Ukrainian efforts to defend their country in what is looking to be a protracted war. By designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, the United States would be able to ban dual-use exports to Russia and take economic action against other countries that do business with Russia. What's more, the U.S. could further inflict pain on Russia by freezing the country's assets in the U.S., like real estate. We know that Russia provides sanctuary to a U.S.-designated terrorist group and has employed mercenaries with histories of human rights violations. A state sponsor of terrorism designation is a common-sense way to further aid Ukraine. I'm pleased to join Rep. Wilson in introducing this legislation," said Rep. Lieu.
Background
The four main categories of sanctions resulting from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the Secretary, under the existing laws and authorities, include restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, a ban on defense exports and sales, certain controls over exports of dual use items, and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions. Currently, only Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Iran, and Syria are designated as state sponsors of terrorism.