The Georgian Association Supports the Recent Russia Sanctions Bill

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.Amend232 adds new sanctions targeting various sectors in Russia’s economy, as well as sanctions against 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. For clarification, Russian sanctions have been added to the Iran bill to avoid introduction of a new bill.

Georgia continues to be subjected to Russian aggression on its territorial integrity.  In the most recent example of this aggression, Russian troops advanced further into the Georgian controlled territory in the Tskhinvali Region.  Therefore the Georgian Association supports The Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act.  This 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.

The GA encourages Georgian Americans and friends of Georgia to contact their Congressional Representative to petition support of a Russia sanction bill similar to that passed in the U.S. Senate. A sample letter shown below can be submitted online at: www.house.gov. Simply log onto the website, find your Representative and complete the online form to submit your correspondence.

Sample Letter

The Honorable (name)

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (name):

As an American of Georgian descent and supportive of Eastern European countries that have suffered under Russian aggression, 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 – S722 & S.Amend232 – would seek to impose stricter sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and interference in our 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 against all free nations. I look forward to your active support of this issue.