Menendez Again Questions Trump’s Willingness to Hold Russia Accountable for Attacks on US, Global Democratic Processes

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday after the White House released a statement about the 2017 cyberattack Russia perpetrated across Europe, Asia, and the Americas:

“It is well past time that the White House is acknowledging the Russian-orchestrated ‘NotPetya’ attack and its global impact, particularly as it relates to Moscow’s attempts to continue to destabilize Ukraine. It is important to clearly and consistently call out the Kremlin for its destabilizing cyberattacks and other activities.

“Clearly in this case, mandatory sanctions described in section 224 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act law would apply and I expect the imminent imposition of sanctions by the Administration.  Without such action, this statement rings hollow. 

“Since coming into office, President Trump has failed to address the ongoing threat to our security posed by Russia’s international assault on the democratic process.  He continues to ignore Congressional will with respect to the mandatory sanctions passed last year. It has been more than six months since CAATSA was signed into law, and not one, mandatory sanction has been imposed. It’s inexcusable.  I will continue to press the Administration to follow the law, and implore them to lead a whole-of-government effort, with vocal presidential leadership, to guard our institutions and defend against Russian government aggression in the 2018 and 2020 elections.”

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