Casten Statement on Vote to Block Trump Administration’s Lifting of Russian Sanctions
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement on the House vote (H.J.Res.30) to block the Treasury Department from lifting sanctions against three Russian companies connected to Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska, an agent of Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, the Senate failed to advance the measure, falling 3 votes short of the 60 votes required.
Casten said, "Lifting these sanctions at this time and in this manner is completely at odds with our Nation's values. The Trump Administration has chosen to enrich the billionaire Deripaska by forgiving his loans to VTB – a [sanctioned Russian bank] – while continuing to leave him and his family in substantial control of these companies. The process followed to lift these sanctions stinks and adds to the growing pile of questions about the integrity of our Executive Branch leadership. I am extremely disappointed that Senate Republicans have put Russia's interests over the interests of the United States and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House Majority to push back against Putin and his allies and defend our country."