Us Senators Have Introduced A Bill To Designate Russia As A State Sponsor Of Terrorism

Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up WASHINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) – Democratic and Republican U.S. senators introduced legislation on Wednesday that would designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, a label promoted by Ukraine but opposed by President Joe Biden’s administration. “The need for this measure is more pressing now than ever,” Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, one of the bill’s sponsors, said at a news conference, citing the killing of civilians and other “brutal, brutal repression” in Ukraine since the invasion. of Russia. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, another sponsor of the bill, said the designation would send a strong message of support for Ukraine to Kyiv and US allies, while imposing tough sanctions on Russia such as allowing it to be sued in court of the US for its actions in Ukraine and tougher sanctions. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up It was not immediately clear when or if the measure could come up for a vote. However, the two senators have supported the designation for months, visiting Kyiv in July to promote it. read more They have been joined by other lawmakers to voice their support for the idea. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in July that the designation was “long overdue.” Biden said he plans no such characterization of Russia. Administration officials say they do not believe the designation is the most effective way to hold Russia accountable and could block humanitarian aid deliveries to Ukraine. Moscow has told Washington that diplomatic ties will be severely damaged and could even be severed if Russia is added to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, which currently includes Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Syria. Blumenthal and Graham’s bill includes a provision that would allow a US president to waive the designation on national security grounds after certifying to Congress that Russia no longer supports acts of international terrorism. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up Reporting by Patricia Zengerle Editing by Bill Berkrot Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.