US Rep Defends Nay Vote On Russia Sanctions, Ukraine AidUS Rep Defends Nay Vote On Russia Sanctions, Ukraine Aid

4/1/14 - Despite overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle, a bill leveling sanctions against Russia and providing aid to Ukraine was opposed by one local lawmaker who says it is purely symbolic. The measure passed the US House 399-to-19 on Thursday in response to Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, and Milford’s Kerry Bentivolio was one of the few dissenting votes. In a press release, he said the bill does not stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from advancing into the Ukraine. He said creating sanctions against Russia was just a symbolic gesture, “like fighting off a bear with a rolled-up newspaper.” He says that the $60 million pledged to the Ukraine is also a symbolic gesture giving Washington politicians “a chance to pat themselves on the back.” He pointed out that the International Monetary Fund has announced standby credit for the country in the amount of $14-18 billion. He advocated what he described as “Ronald Reagan’s peace through strength policy.” A similar bill has passed the US Senate 98-to-2, and should reach President Obama’s desk within a week. It is expected to include roughly $1 billion in loan guarantees with the goal of maintaining a stable, democratic government in the Ukraine. (TD)