Colorado's Congressional delegation is reacting to a joint-press conference held Monday between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senator Cory Gardner and Rep. Mike Coffman join the chorus of Republicans who want to keep an arm's-length between the U.S. and Russia.
Here are their official statements:
Sen. Cory Gardner (R):
“Whether it be chemical attacks on our allied soil, the invasion of Ukraine, propping up the murderer Assad in Syria, or meddling in our elections through cyber-attacks, Vladimir Putin’s Russia remains an adversary to the United States. I believe Russia is a state sponsor of terror and I’ve introduced legislation that would mandate the State Department to determine whether Russia merits this designation, along with their allies Iran and Syria that are already designated. Additionally, I will continue to support maximum economic sanctions on Russia, including the full implementation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that passed the Senate by a vote of 98-2.
“I encourage the Administration to avoid the mistakes of past Administrations in normalizing relations with Russia at zero cost to Putin and his regime. The only ‘reset’ we can have with Russia is when it completely reverses course and begins to act in accordance with civilized norms and international law. Nothing should change as of today – Putin’s Russia is not a friend to the United States.”
Sen. Michael Bennet (D):
Rep. Mike Coffman (R):
Rep. Scott Tipton (R):
“Vladimir Putin is not our friend, and there is ample evidence that Russia meddled in our elections. Russia has repeatedly violated international law, shown disregard for national sovereignty, engaged in human rights abuses, propped up state sponsors of terror, and fueled global instability,” said Tipton. “Russia’s attacks on our electoral system damage the very democratic principles upon which our country was built. I strongly urge President Trump and this Administration to hold Russia and Putin accountable. I will continue to support strong economic sanctions against Russia and measures to protect the integrity of our elections.”
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D):
“Today is yet another example of President Trump favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin over the democracy and national security of the United States. In January 2017, 17 U.S. intelligence agencies proved Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election. This was confirmed again last week when Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Justice Department indicted 12 Russian government agents for their efforts to disrupt the 2016 presidential election. And today we heard Putin himself admit he wanted President Trump to win the 2016 presidential election.
“Yet President Trump continues to take Putin, a former KGB officer, at his word while disregarding evidence from U.S. intelligence agencies and ignoring threats of future attacks on our democracy. Why is President Trump so afraid of getting to the truth? The Mueller investigation must continue so we can fully understand what happened in the 2016 election and make sure it never happens again.”
Rep. Diana DeGette (D):
Rep. Jared Polis (D)
Rep. Ken Buck (R)
“Russia’s attempts to influence the 2016 election are disgraceful. We should work to improve American relations with our adversaries, but not at the cost of our nation’s soul.”
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R) did not publish a statement in regards to the press conference.
