Armed Services Dems introduce bill on Russia aggression

Twenty-three House Armed Services Committee Democrats have formally introduced a bill aimed at forcing the Trump administration to craft a comprehensive policy to deter Russian aggression.

“It is time for Congress to lead on this issue, especially given President Trump’s unwillingness take the danger seriously,” Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member of the committee, said in a statement. “With this legislation, we are laying the foundation for an intelligent and proactive approach that strengthens allied and partner defenses, increases deterrence and boosts cohesion while taking steps to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war.”

Some of the pieces of the bill, dubbed the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act, have already been included in the Armed Services subcommittee portions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

{mosads}For example, the Emerging Threats and Capabilities portion would bolster support for the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence, while the Readiness portion would require a Pentagon report on training for troops in Europe.

Other parts of the Democrats’ bill include requiring the Pentagon to develop and implement a comprehensive Russia strategy, requiring the president to submit a plan to Congress on imposing sanctions until Russia is back in compliance with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and requiring the Pentagon to craft a plan to reduce the risk of nuclear war in the face of Russia’s “escalate to de-escalate” doctrine.

The Democrats are pushing to have the entire bill included in the NDAA. They are waiting to see what’s in the so-called “chairman’s mark” and will then decide whether and how to introduce amendments at next week’s markup, a spokesman for committee Democrats said.

In introducing the standalone bill Thursday, the co-sponsors repeatedly slammed Trump’s inaction on Russian aggression.

“The threat from Russia is real, clear, and immediate,” Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said in a statement. “Russia is an enemy that undermines our elections, degrades our alliance network, and abuses the human and civil rights of its own people and freedom-loving peoples around the world. While President Trump continues to cozy up to President Putin, his feckless handling of foreign policy is putting our national security at risk.”