Daily Call To Action: February 9th, 2017

February 8, 2017 The Call – Russia Sanctions Review Act Urge your senators to co-sponsor The Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017. In early 2014, Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea and held a referendum resulting in the territory joining Russia. Shortly thereafter, President Obama issued a series of executive orders penalizing Russia and imposing sanctions. Since that time, Russia has shown little willingness to back down from its belligerence in Ukraine and continues to fund separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine. Congress has become increasingly concerned that President Trump, who has made a number of friendly overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin, may unilaterally negotiate away US sanctions on Russia. Thus, a group of bipartisan Senators have introduced legislation to hamstring the Administration’s ability to act without the consent of Congress. Your Action Call your 2 senators and ask them to co-sponsor The Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017. If they are co-sponsors, thank them. Current co-sponsors are John McCain (R-AZ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Script [For co-sponsors] “Hi. My name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from zip code [ZIP]. I’m calling today because I want to thank [Senator____] for co-sponsoring The Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017. I agree with the Senator that Congress should have the ultimate say in determining when Russia is complying with its international obligations. I appreciate your time.” [For senators not co-sponsoring] “Hi. My name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from zip code [ZIP]. I’m calling today because I want to urge [Senator____] to support and co-sponsor The Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017. I’m concerned about the President’s use of executive orders and fear he may unilaterally negotiate away our sanctions regime. I would like Congress to exercise its oversight role and take control of this critical issue. I appreciate your time.”

The Loyal Opposition