Lance seeks to curb Trump’s discretion in enforcing Russian sanctions

Leonard Lance (R, NJ-07)
By The Staff
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R, NJ-07) is happy that the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Russia through the Office of Foreign Assets Control this week after a nerve agent attack in the U.K.

But the New Jersey federal legislator wants to go further, curbing the Trump Administration’s discretion to punish Russia.

Lance introduced legislation to compel the Trump Administration to enforce preexisting sanctions against the Russian government following apparent meddling in U.S. election, titled the Directing Implementation of Sanctions and Accountability for Russian Mischief (DISARM) Act

“The government of Russia must be held accountable for meddling in our sacred electoral process and sowing discontent in the United States,” said Lance on Thursday. “Today’s sanctions are a step in the right direction but more must be done to expose Russian malfeasance, hold Vladimir Putin’s government accountable and protect our country.  Severing access to our financial system is one tool, but the Trump Administration must fully enforce the sanctions passed overwhelmingly in Congress last year.  I will continue leading the cause to make sure those sanctions are fully implemented.”

Lance, a Republican, faces a tough reelection bid this year in the only New Jersey GOP-held House district carried by Hillary Clinton. He’s a frequent critic of the Trump Administration, notably voting against last year’s tax reform package. 

Moscow denies involvement in the nerve agent attack against a former Russian spy and his daughter but Western condemnation has been swift and unanimous. 

The Staff
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